New Delhi: The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, has removed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from the joint staff’s top strategy post as president, Donald Trump, considers renewed military strikes against Iran. The joint staff confirmed the departure on Wednesday but provided no explanation and named no successor.
Sylvia headed the directorate for strategy, plans and policy, known as J5. It advises joint chiefs chairman, General Dan Caine on military strategy, policy and risks, coordinating with regional commands, government agencies and allies. Although central to senior defence advice, J5 does not itself command operations against Iran.
A joint staff spokesperson thanked Sylvia and his family for their “32 years of distinguished service to our nation”. The statement offered no reason for his removal, which was first reported by the Atlantic.
Iran plans heighten scrutiny
As RNA Media had reported, American forces could begin major operations (link from our story needed) against Iran within 96 hours of receiving a presidential order, citing two US officials. The assessment described military readiness, not a decision to attack. Trump has not publicly authorized another round of strikes, and the White House declined to comment on the planning report.
The preparations come amid an eight-month conflict in West Asia. US officials have warned regional governments and partners to prepare for possible American action and Iranian retaliation, while a third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops head towards the region, according to Associated Press.
As RNA Media earlier reported, Washington and Israel have examined further strike options amid uncertainty over their timing and objectives. Trump has indicated that any fresh action could come after the November 3 US midterm elections, although no final decision has been confirmed.
Second departure from influential post
A 1994 graduate of the US military academy at west point, Sylvia commanded the 101st airborne division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His previous assignments included vice director of J5, and he took over the directorate in December 2025. His decorations include a Bronze Star with a valor device and a Purple Heart earned during service in Afghanistan.
His predecessor, Lieutenant General Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October 2025. The departures of two successive J5 chiefs within roughly a year have added scrutiny to Hegseth’s changes at the top of the military, though their circumstances were not necessarily identical.
Wider Pentagon leadership changes
The Atlantic reported that at least 26 generals and admirals have stepped down or been pushed out since Hegseth took office. The total includes different kinds of departures and should not be treated as 26 confirmed dismissals.
Hegseth has ordered a 20 per cent reduction in general and flag officer positions by January 1, 2027. Defending the cuts in September, he called them “accountability and long overdue”, while some lawmakers have questioned their implications for senior leadership.
The Atlantic, citing defence officials, reported that Hegseth had lost confidence in Sylvia and that the general had differences with senior Pentagon policy official Elbridge Colby. The Washington Post reported frustration among Sylvia’s colleagues over his abrupt removal.
Neither a dispute over Iran planning nor any operational disruption has been established as the cause or consequence of Sylvia’s departure. His removal nevertheless changes leadership in a key strategic advisory office as Washington considers its next military moves.