Secretary of Defense Panetta is calling an all-hands meeting of the top-level military leaders to discuss emerging challenges to national security and the Pentagon budget. The backdrop to the meeting is growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear weapons program, the Syrian civil war, and the recent attacks on U.S. diplomatic compounds in Libya and Egypt.

Panetta To Meet With ‘Secretary’s Leadership Council’ To Discuss Strategic, Budget Issues

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is convening top brass from around the world for a high-level, one-day meeting with Pentagon leaders on Thursday to discuss a range of issues, including strategic and budget matters, according to Defense Department officials.