He is the second general to be ousted from the post, known in military circles as the “J5”, under Hegseth
The timing is significant as President Donald Trump is reportedly considering whether to resume attacks on Iran after the November 3 US midterm elections. Because the matter involved sensitive personnel issues, said no reason had been provided for Sylvia’s removal and no immediate successor had been identified, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Earlier reporting noted: Sylvia, who directed strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Staff, was ousted without a public explanation, The Atlantic reported .
Washington has alerted regional partners to prepare for possible renewed military action and the risk of Iranian retaliation, according to two diplomats briefed on the warnings. Although regional governments are said to be preparing for the possibility that a renewed US campaign could trigger retaliation extending beyond the initial period of American strikes. The diplomats said US officials had indicated that a fresh round of military action could last several days, while Iranian counterattacks and actions by allied groups could prolong the confrontation. Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that Tehran “continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed” and is working with mediators to review proposals it wants to use as a basis for restoring a ceasefire. During a campaign appearance in Texas earlier this week, he said an end to the war could come “in a couple of weeks, if you don’t mind”. Trump said. “I said, ‘Whenever I want it to end. It’ll be very quick, but we have to have it end properly, with total and complete — a total statement, they will never have a nuclear weapon. ” “He’s got some kind of like deep-seated grievance about leadership in the military,” Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot critical of Hegseth, said last month. Earlier reporting noted: Speaking to The Atlantic, the former official said “Now is not the time when you’d want to lose the J5.
Sylvia headed the strategy, plans and policy directorate, known within the military as the J5, which helps coordinate military planning with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the president. Iran, meanwhile, has continued to signal an interest in negotiations. Trump has alternated between suggesting the conflict could end soon and warning that further bombing remains possible. “Somebody asked me before, when will the war in Iran end? “He’s purging a generation of great leaders of the military, and it’s going to take a generation to recover from it. Sylvia was removed from the Joint Chiefs of Staff even as President Donald Trump mulls renewed strikes against Iran . The Pentagon planner headed the Joint Staff’s J5 directorate. They help coordinate military strategy and policy recommendations for senior defense officials and the White House. This person would serve as a critical link between the operational force, the department policy, and the White House.”
Trump had previously rejected the proposal. Earlier reporting noted: Hegseth fires top Pentagon planner as Trump mulls renewed Iran strikes: Report Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly fired Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, a senior military strategist. Army Lt Gen Brett Sylvia’s departure was confirmed by a US defence official on Wednesday, reported Associated Press.
The Pentagon’s senior officer responsible for military strategy and planning has been removed from his post as the Trump administration weighs its next move in the war with Iran, adding to questions over leadership changes at the US Defence Department at a critical moment for regional security.