Khaled al-Obeidi said the timing of the Mosul assault was for Iraq to decide, and that a US Central Command official who predicted the attack was likely to take place in April or May had no knowledge of the issue, World Bulletin reported.  
ISIL terrorists seized Mosul last June as they swept through Northern Iraq towards Baghdad.
But Obeidi expressed irritation at the remarks from the unnamed US official.
"This is urban warfare and we have civilian populations. It is very important to take time and accuracy in setting the plan for this battle," he told a news conference in Baghdad.
"A military official should not reveal the timing of an offensive," he added. "The battle for Mosul starts when preparations are complete, and selecting the time is up to Iraqi military commanders."