The US military appeals court rejected Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin's challenge to a possible deal with the organizers of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
As The Washington Post reported Tuesday, its terms include commuting the death penalty to life in prison if they plead guilty.
According to the court's ruling, Austin has the authority to block judges from entering into pretrial agreements with defendants on behalf of the US government, but he cannot revoke such agreements after the fact.
The court noted that the accused have already admitted their guilt, which limits further legal proceedings against them.
