Key facts
- Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia removed as Pentagon's top military planner.
- No reason given for Sylvia's firing.
- President Trump is weighing renewed strikes on Iran.
- US officials have warned allies to prepare for potential action and retaliation.
- A third US aircraft carrier and additional troops are being sent to the region.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered a 20% cut in top military officer positions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon's top military planner, on Wednesday, according to a defense official. Sylvia's removal from the Joint Chiefs of Staff's strategy, plans and policy role, known as the J5, is the latest in a series of high-level military personnel changes under Hegseth. No reason for the firing was provided, and no immediate replacement has been named. The move comes as President Donald Trump is reportedly considering renewed military operations against Iran, with US officials warning regional allies to prepare for potential action and retaliation.