Panetta discusses Iran, Syria with Barak

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta discussed with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak the situation in Syria and the Iranian nuclear file. "Secretary Panetta met with Israel Minister of Defense Ehud Barak today and reiterated the strong U.S. commitment to Israel's security and the strong U.S. -Israel defense relationship," said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little in a statement, late on Wednesday. "The secretary commended Minister Barak on his tireless efforts in advancing the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship", he added. Little noted that Panetta and Barak "discussed a range of issues and expressed their commitment to ensuring continued cooperation on many important regional issues -- particularly Syria, Iran, and Gaza". "Secretary Panetta thanked Minister Barak for his friendship and his continued commitment to the relationship. This is the 11th time that the two have met since Secretary Panetta took office", he concluded.