US President-elect Joe Biden has chosen retired US Army General Lloyd Austin as his nominee for secretary of defense, US media have reported.

Iran PressAmerica: Although Michèle Flournoy was initially considered Biden's main candidate for the post, Biden was under increasing pressure to nominate a black man to head the Pentagon.

The impending nomination of Austin was confirmed by three people with knowledge of the pick who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the selection hadn’t been formally announced.

Austin is 67 years old and served as Deputy Chief of Joint Chiefs of Staff from January 31, 2012 to March 8, 2013, after which he was appointed Commander of US Forces in West Asia (Centcom) and remained in that position until 2016.

As a career military officer, the 67-year-old Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon. 219