Others say keeping Gates could delay the change that Obama promised during his campaign, because it could lead to potential policy conflicts over missile defense funding and a speedy Iraq pullout.

CNN: Obama rolls out national security team

Mr. Panetta and former Defense Secretary Robert Gates have argued that a military strike would at best delay Iran's nuclear development for a few years.

WSJ: Pentagon Seeks Mightier Bomb vs. Iran

But legal experts said that the presentation allowed Microsoft to delay cross-examination until after a lunch break and to allow Mr Gates to give a broad overview of his written testimony.

BBC: Gates cool on the stand