United States defense leaders say a reduction in troops does not indicate a U.S. military in decline.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Martin Dempsey, emphasized the point during an interview with CBS on Sunday.

Their comments follow President Obama’s announcement of a new defense strategy on January fifth. The plan outlines defense priorities for the coming decade and emphasizes trimming forces while investing in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance programs.

The U.S. defense secretary said the strategy will ensure that the U.S. remains the world’s strongest military power.

Dempsey stressed that miscalculation about the strength of the U.S. military could be troublesome in dealing with Iran and North Korea.

Another Defense Department official said the changed defense strategy puts a new emphasis on Asia, adding the presence of U.S. forces will be maintained in the region and on the Korean Peninsula.