US Fires Top Military Planner as Iran Strike Fears Grow
Lt Gen Brett Sylvia has reportedly been removed from his Joint Staff role just days before the US midterm elections, while Trump hints at another attack on Iran.
Pentagon – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – The US fires top military planner Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia in a surprise shake-up, according to American media reports. The move comes as President Donald Trump appears to be getting ready for a new round of strikes on Iran.
Sylvia led strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff. US outlets reported his removal on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources.
The Joint Staff first put out a statement that seemed to confirm his exit. It later withdrew that statement. A spokesperson said they would not comment further out of respect for the officer and the ongoing personnel process.
No reason has been given for his departure.
Sylvia has a long record in the army. He once led the 101st Airborne Division, the army’s air assault unit. He also headed a unit in Iraq.
His removal is the latest in a series of changes at the top of the US military. Since returning to office early last year, Trump has pushed out many senior leaders.
In February 2025, he fired General Charles “CQ” Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, without giving a reason. The heads of the army, navy and coast guard have also gone. So have the head of the National Security Agency and the air force vice chief of staff.
A navy admiral assigned to Nato and three top military lawyers were also removed.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the president is simply choosing the leaders he wants. Democratic lawmakers disagree. They worry the move could drag the traditionally neutral military into politics.
Last month, Hegseth said the US had cut the number of its generals and admirals by 20 per cent. He called it an “accomplishment” and linked it to accountability and a sharper focus on war-fighting.
The timing of Sylvia’s exit has raised eyebrows. Trump is believed to be weighing new strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections next Tuesday.
Last week, he said the US “may do another little Epic Fury”. That was the name given to the US-Israeli attacks on Tehran in February, which started the war. He gave no timeline.
Since early September, neither side has launched major attacks on land targets. Instead, both have settled into a pattern of strikes on commercial ships.
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