WASHINGTON, US - THE United States Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Army General David Petraeus as commander of the military headquarters responsible for US operations across the Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Senate on Thursday confirmed him by a vote of 95-2.

It also confirmed, 96-1, the nomination of Lieutenant-General Raymond Odierno as top commander in Iraq, replacing Gen Petraeus. Lt-Gen Odierno, who served as Petraeus' deputy in the war, will be promoted to full general.

Gen Petraeus and Lt-Gen Odierno together implemented a new military strategy credited with helping drive down violence in Iraq.

As head of Central Command, Gen Petraeus will oversee military operations in a region that includes Iran, Pakistan and 25 other countries as well as strategically and economically significant international waters, including the Gulf.

'Working together they have made dramatic security gains in Iraq and hopefully they will be able to build upon that success to create a more stable and secure Middle East,' said Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell.

Gen Petraeus will take his new post this year, likely after September, defence officials said.

He will take charge at a time of heightened tensions with Iran, which test-fired missiles this week that Teheran says can reach Israel and US assets in the region.

Gen Petraeus also faces what US officials say is a renewed threat from Al-Qaeda in Pakistan and rising violence in Afghanistan.

'We all share a concern about the worsening situation in Afghanistan,' said Senator John Warner, a Virginia Republican, calling that war a top priority for Gen Petraeus.

'We're fortunate that he is imminently qualified, having studied the culture of the region, having understood the complexity, the geopolitical situation with regard to Pakistan and Iran. He is just imminently qualified to step in and be the commander of those forces in that region.'

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, when he picked Gen Petraeus to lead that command in April, called the general the most qualified officer to manage counterinsurgency operations in both wars and grapple with threats from Islamist extremism throughout the region.

Gen Petraeus' nomination followed the resignation of Admiral William Fallon after a reported break with the Bush administration over Iran policy. -- REUTERS