Pentagon Dismisses General Over Iran War Planning Allegations

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior planner for the war against Iran, in the midst of an investigation into alleged leaks of classified information. The removal occurred while a probe examined whether Sylvia disclosed sensitive details regarding the conflict with Iran and the war between Russia and Ukraine.

A Pentagon official told CBS News that Sylvia failed three polygraph tests and was subsequently referred to the Department of Justice. However, two other Pentagon sources disputed the accuracy of those accusations to the same network. They stated that while the dismissal was linked to the testing process, the allegations of a leak were not correct. No public resolution has yet been issued confirming that Sylvia released classified material.

President Donald Trump defended Hegseth’s decision during the controversy. "He is doing a great job. I think he is the best in his job in many, many years," Trump said. This presidential support comes as Hegseth intensifies efforts to identify personnel responsible for leaks. Last month, military leaders were subjected to polygraph examinations, and three employees from Hegseth’s office were escorted off duty during a separate investigation whose results remain unpublished.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that personnel actions were taken following an inquiry by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Parnell stated the case was sent to the Department of Justice but declined to name Sylvia publicly. The department has not released a final determination on the matter.

Sylvia led the Joint Staff’s J5 division, which handles long-term military strategy and policy. His departure occurs as the administration considers resuming attacks on Iran after the midterm elections scheduled for November 3. Sylvia is the second general to leave this position under Hegseth’s leadership, following the October 2025 retirement of Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee. The Pentagon has not announced a replacement for the vacant role.

With 32 years of service, Sylvia previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division and served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. The dismissal removes a key figure from the strategic planning chain just months before a potential shift in military operations.

The situation reflects ongoing scrutiny of information security within the Department of Defense. While the formal charge of leaking remains under review by the Justice Department, the internal disagreement over the validity of the polygraph results has raised questions about the standard of evidence used for senior military appointments.