Hegseth removes top Pentagon planner as Trump weighs Iran strikes
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed the Pentagon’s top military planning officer as President Donald Trump weighs possible new strikes against Iran, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Lt-Gen Brett Sylvia, director of strategy, plans and policy (J5) for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is leaving the position, a spokesman for Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine confirmed.
No reason was given for his departure, and it remains unclear who will replace him.
The J5 office advises the chairman on military strategies, operational plans and policy recommendations related to US national security and international engagement.
Sylvia, a former commander of the army’s 101st Airborne Division, was nominated for the role by former defence secretary Lloyd Austin near the end of the Biden administration. He had served in the military for 32 years.
His departure comes as US forces in the Middle East are reportedly prepared to launch potentially major military operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from Trump, according to two US officials cited by CNN.
Some current and former officials familiar with military planning believe Trump could authorise an attack before the end of the year, potentially after the US midterm elections.
While officials say the president appears to be leaning towards major military action, they caution that he could still change his mind.
Trump has said no attack would take place before Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Sylvia’s removal adds to a series of senior military departures under Hegseth, who has overseen significant changes to the Pentagon’s leadership.
These include the removal of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April, as Trump signalled plans to intensify the war with Iran.
Hegseth has also dismissed more than two dozen senior officers and pushed out a navy secretary with whom he had clashed.
Sylvia’s predecessor, Lt-General Joe McGee, left the J5 position in October 2025 under pressure from Hegseth, according to CNN, after reportedly clashing with the defence secretary and Caine over issues including Russia, Ukraine and US military operations in the Caribbean.