U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says taking military action against Iran should be the last resort.

Panetta told reporters Thursday at the Pentagon that a military strike would not completely discourage Iran from continuing its nuclear programs. He said a strike could result in unintended consequences and seriously impact the region and the U.S. soldiers stationed there.

The defense secretary's remarks follow the International Atomic Energy Agency's release of a report Tuesday on Iran’s continued nuclear activities.

Panetta added he agrees with his predecessor Robert Gates in thinking that a military strike against Iran could merely delay its nuclear development by three years.