Pentagon fires top strategist over Iran leak allegations

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia on Thursday, citing severe misconduct in the handling of classified information. Sylvia served as the director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position known in military circles as the J5. The department characterized the dismissal as an urgent measure required to protect national security.

A Department of Defense official stated that Sylvia had been meeting with journalists outside the Pentagon to leak classified data. The investigation covered disclosures regarding the war with Iran, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and other matters. The Pentagon referred the case to the Department of Justice for further action. The official noted that Sylvia failed three polygraph tests administered to question him about the leaks.

The official clarified that Sylvia was the Defense Department’s chief military planner but not the central planner for the Iran war. That specific responsibility lies with Central Command and its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper. The department argued that Sylvia’s actions placed the nation at risk, leading to the decision that immediate action could not wait.

Sylvia is the second individual removed from the J5 position under Hegseth’s leadership. His predecessor was forced to retire in October 2025. Hegseth has a recent history of accusing senior officials of leaking to the media, having fired three aides from his inner circle last year during a similar leak investigation that included polygraph testing.

Before joining the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. He also previously served as vice director for the office he led. His official biography, which has now been taken offline, lists six Bronze Star Medals, including one for valor, and a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat.

Sean Parnel, assistant to the defense secretary for public affairs, posted on X on Thursday that the Department of War has zero tolerance for intentional, unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Parnel did not name Sylvia in the post. An anonymous official told The Associated Press that there is no immediate replacement for Sylvia.

The firing occurs as President Donald Trump floats the possibility of new military operations against Iran. Trump launched the war with Israel eight months ago and has promised to finish the job in the region. He indicated that he would pursue this goal after the midterm elections held on Tuesday.