Leon Panetta actually said...

Iraq is a sovereign country that, in its own interest, would be expected to resist efforts by any of its neighbors to exert improper influen...

The role of DOD is to assist uniformed servicemembers, their families, and overseas voters to exercise their right to vote.

Iran is very directly supporting extremist Shia groups which are killing our troops.

My understanding is that the transition from DOD and DOS is on track.