Admiral William Fallon gave up his command over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on Friday, after a magazine portrayed him as opposing President George W. Bush's Iran policy.

Fallon, who handed over his responsibilities to his deputy, will resign from active duty altogether in May, ending a 40-year military career.

Senior military officers said he never shirked from strong leadership and tough, straight talk both with allies and potential adversaries.

"His time here has advanced America's interests and security," said Defence Secretary Robert Gates at a ceremony in Florida marking Fallon's departure.

Fallon's resignation after just over a year at US Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, came after an Esquire magazine article portrayed him as the man standing between Bush and war with Iran.

The article described him as challenging the White House and urging restraint. It deepened an already existing perception that the 63-year-old admiral was at odds with Bush.

Fallon co-operated with the author during the article's preparation but criticized the story after it appeared. He said he did not disagree with the president but that the perception that he did made it difficult to do his job.

The admiral praised Bush's leadership in his final comments to troops in Florida, saying the president aimed to "get the job done and to do it right."  "For that leadership and example I am grateful," he said.

Gates on Friday called Fallon "one of the military's best strategic minds" and praised him for military and diplomatic skills demonstrated in his year leading Central Command.

Previously, Fallon led Pacific Command, where he pursued better relations and dialogue with China, whose rapid military modernization plans have raised concerns inside the Pentagon.

"The Middle East as a whole has benefited from Fallon's leadership as he has applied the same strategic thinking diplomatic skills that were on display during his leadership of Pacific Command," Gates said.-Reuters