Top Pentagon general Brett Sylvia fired over alleged leaks

As of October 29, 2026, Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, who served as the Pentagon's Joint Staff Director for Strategy, Plans & Policy (J-5), was abruptly removed from his position by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and later retired under pressure. The move came amid discussions about potential further military strikes on Iran following upcoming midterm elections in the U.S., according to multiple sources including ABC News and The Straits Times. Later that day, it was reported by Axios and confirmed by a Pentagon official that Sylvia faced an internal investigation for allegedly leaking classified information regarding the Iran war, Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, and other sensitive topics to journalists over approximately one year. Despite his removal, no immediate replacement has been named to take on his responsibilities.