[‘I stopped it’: How Trump’s last-minute reversal on Iran unfolded]“In the end this is a human process,” said Leon Panetta, who served as defense secretary and CIA director for President Barack Obama. He said Shanahan would be acting secretary until midnight on Sunday, and Esper will take over the first minute of Monday. “I think there is evidence that Army Secretary Esper could exert that. During his nearly six months as acting secretary, Shanahan regularly faced explicit questions about his independence and standing with the president. Esper’s likely confirmation later this year comes after the extraordinary events surrounding Iran, which raised questions for former top officials about the decision-making process involving military action.

Source: Washington Post June 22, 2019 20:10 UTC