French news agency (AFP) reported US Defense Secretary Robert Gates held talks with top US military commanders this week over their plans for future troop deployments in Iraq, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Friday,

Petraeus, Fallon and Gates are all in favor of a “pause” in the drawdown of US troops from the country, Morrell noted. “A pause is worthwhile to figure out the impact of the withdrawal,” the spokesman said.