Pentagon Shakeup: Hegseth Dumps Top Strategist Before Midterms

One top military planner is out of his job at the Pentagon. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, who had been leading strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Staff. The Associated Press reported the removal on Wednesday. No official explanation was provided for the decision, and the Department of Defense has not yet named a successor to fill the vacancy.

ABC News cited two people familiar with the matter who said Sylvia has since retired from the military. The timing of the move coincides with rising tension between Washington and Tehran. American officials have advised several Middle Eastern governments to prepare for the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran once next week's midterm elections are concluded. Those officials also told regional partners to be ready for any Iranian retaliation if hostilities resume.

Diplomatic efforts continue in parallel to the military planning. The Wall Street Journal reported that Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iran. The goal was to engage one of Iran's most powerful hardliners to revive peace negotiations. President Donald Trump downplayed the likelihood of formal talks when speaking to reporters. He noted that Iran needs help with medical supplies and other items. He added, "I said, 'If you want to do that, that's OK.'"

Iranian officials have signaled a willingness to pursue diplomacy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X late Wednesday that "Iran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed." He stated that Tehran is in "close and ongoing contact with intermediaries to review ideas that can ensure implementation of our 7-Day Plan in even less than a week." The 7-Day Plan was proposed by Tehran last month. It outlines conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring normal maritime passage. Those conditions include an end to hostilities and the release of frozen Iranian assets. If met, Tehran would restore normal commercial shipping and return to negotiations with Washington.

The next major milestone is the midterm election scheduled for next week. Officials in the region are monitoring the political outcome as it may influence U.S. foreign policy decisions. The Joint Staff remains without a permanent head of strategy, plans, and policy until a new leader is appointed.