As Trump considers a new round of strikes on Iran, Defense Secretary Hegseth has removed the Pentagon’s most senior operational planning official. A spokesman for Joint Chiefs chairman General Dan Kane confirmed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, director for strategy, plans and policy (J5) on the Joint Staff, was abruptly relieved; no reason or successor has been announced. Several senior officers have departed the Pentagon since Hegseth took office under the Trump administration; Sylvia’s dismis

As Trump considers a new round of strikes on Iran, Defense Secretary Hegseth has removed the Pentagon’s most senior operational planning official. A spokesman for Joint Chiefs chairman General Dan Kane confirmed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, director for strategy, plans and policy (J5) on the Joint Staff, was abruptly relieved; no reason or successor has been announced. Several senior officers have departed the Pentagon since Hegseth took office under the Trump administration; Sylvia’s dismissal is the latest amid broad cuts to senior military leadership.