Pentagon removes top planner over Iran leak

Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia is no longer the director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Sylvia on Thursday for severe misconduct. The Pentagon stated that Sylvia met with journalists outside the department to share classified details.

A Department of Defense official confirmed that Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations regarding the leak. The investigation covers information about the war in Iran and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The case has been referred to the Department of Justice for further action. The official described the move as urgent, stating that national security was at risk and the situation could not wait.

Sylvia served as the department’s chief military planner. However, the official noted that he was not the central planner for operations in Iran. That responsibility lies with Central Command and its leader, Admiral Brad Cooper. Sylvia previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His service record includes six Bronze Star Medals, one for valour, and a Purple Heart for combat wounds. His official biography has been taken offline since the announcement.

This is the second time the J5 position has changed hands under Hegseth. Sylvia’s predecessor was forced to retire in October 2025. No immediate replacement has been named for the vacant role. Sean Parnel, assistant to the defense secretary for public affairs, posted on X that the department has zero tolerance for unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Parnel did not name Sylvia directly in the post.

The dismissal occurs as President Donald Trump considers new military operations against Iran. Trump promised to finish the job in Iran after launching the war with Israel eight months ago. He indicated that a decision might follow the midterm elections held on Tuesday. Sylvia is the latest senior official fired by Hegseth for leaking to the media. Three aides were dismissed from the secretary’s inner circle last year in a similar investigation that included polygraph testing.