US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from one of the Pentagon's most senior military planning positions, further fuelling debate over sweeping leadership changes within the US armed forces and their potential impact on strategic decision-making.

A US Defense Department official said on Wednesday that Sylvia had been relieved of his duties as director of the J5 Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate under the Joint Chiefs of Staff. No reason was given for the decision, and no successor has yet been announced.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive personnel matter, declined to explain why Sylvia was removed.

Second dismissal from key planning office

Sylvia became the second general to be removed from the J5 directorate during Hegseth's tenure. His predecessor, Lieutenant General Joseph McGee, was forced into retirement in October last year.

The J5 directorate plays a central role in developing US military strategy, preparing operational plans and coordinating those plans between the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the White House, making it one of the Pentagon's most influential planning offices.

The dismissal of the officer leading the strategic planning directorate has raised questions about continuity in military planning and the functioning of decision-making processes, particularly as Washington continues to evaluate military options regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran.

A spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff thanked Sylvia and his family for his 32 years of military service, but did not comment on the reasons behind his dismissal.

Leadership changes coincide with regional tensions

Sylvia's removal comes at a time when President Donald Trump has continued to keep the possibility of further military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran under consideration.

Following the conflict launched against Iran approximately eight months ago alongside the occupation regime, Trump has maintained that military objectives remain under review and has indicated that additional action could remain among the available options after the midterm elections.

According to two diplomats familiar with the matter, US officials have warned Middle Eastern countries and regional partners to prepare for the possibility of renewed military operations after the elections, while also cautioning that Iran could respond with retaliatory measures.

Diplomatic sources said Trump has not yet made a final decision regarding any new military action.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a third US aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are moving toward the region.

Pentagon restructuring continues

Sylvia is among nearly two dozen generals, admirals and other senior military officials who have been dismissed, forced into retirement or otherwise left their posts since Hegseth took office.

The Pentagon has provided no public explanation for most of the departures, which have included senior civilian leaders within the Army and Navy as well as high-ranking uniformed commanders.

Last month, Hegseth announced plans to double the planned reduction in the number of senior officers, targeting a 20 per cent cut in general and admiral positions by 1 January 2027. The US military currently has around 800 general and admiral posts.

Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on 30 September, Hegseth described the planned reductions as a matter of accountability and a long-overdue reform.

However, some members of Congress have warned that the continued reduction of senior military leadership could weaken the armed forces' institutional capacity and that replacing decades of experience could take years.

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy combat pilot, has also criticised Hegseth's approach, arguing that the removal of experienced commanders could have lasting consequences for the military's leadership and operational effectiveness.

No official statement has linked Sylvia's dismissal to possible future military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran. (ILKHA)