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.