Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s senior strategy and planning officer, as President Donald Trump weighs possible renewed military action against Iran, CNN reported.
Sylvia served as director of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A spokesman confirmed his departure but provided no reason for the decision or named a successor.
His removal comes amid broader changes to Pentagon leadership under Hegseth, who has dismissed multiple senior military officers since taking office.
US forces in the Middle East are reportedly prepared to begin major operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from Trump, according to officials cited by CNN.
However, Trump has not made a final decision and previously said no attack would occur before the midterm elections. The timing of any military action remains uncertain.
Related Tweet:
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pushed out the Pentagon's top planning officer as President Donald Trump weighs new strikes against Iran, a source familiar with the situation tells CNN. https://t.co/sQwvL8b0Q9 https://t.co/JHXgrUEPXZ
— CNN (@CNN) October 29, 2026
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