Hegseth removes Pentagon's J5 director as Trump weighs new Iran strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his position as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a defense official said Wednesday. Sylvia is the second general removed from the J5 post under Hegseth's tenure.

His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire last October. The official said no immediate replacement has been named and no reason was given for the firing. The Atlantic first reported the move.

“the Chairman, the Joint Staff, and the Joint Force extend our deepest gratitude to Lt Gen Brett Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service to our nation”

The J5 director and staff normally generate and coordinate military plans with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president. Sylvia's dismissal comes as President Donald Trump weighs renewed strikes against Iran in the eight-month-long war.

Trump has vowed to finish the job in Iran after launching the war with Israel eight months ago. He said new strikes remain an option after next week's midterm elections.

U.S. officials have warned several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for potential renewed military action after Tuesday's elections. They also warned of possible Iranian retaliation, according to two diplomats briefed on the matter. Trump has not made a final decision on new strikes.

A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are heading to the region. Before joining the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025.