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"I am presented with dealing with Admiral Fallon's decision; the notion that this decision portends anything with a change in Iran's policy ... is ridiculous," he said.
Perino also denied that Fallon resigned over differences with President George W. Bush on Iran.
"The president welcomes robust and healthy debate," she said. There are, she said, "dissenting views on a variety of issues that get worked out through our policy process. That is usually not played out in the press."
"What the president has said is that all options are on the table is what helps make diplomacy work and makes it more effective," she said.
Fallon said Tuesday that he was retiring because reports that he differed with Bush over Iran — namely a positive profile in Esquire magazine — had become "a distraction."
In the past, Adm. Fallon clashed with Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, over plans for the reduction of troops in Iraq. He favored a more rapid drawdown of troops than Gen. Petraeus, military officials said, according to The Washington Times.
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