Hegseth fires top Pentagon strategist accused of leaking classified Iran, Ukraine war information

What happened: War Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior Pentagon strategic planner, amid an investigation into alleged leaks of classified information about the Iran war and Russia's war in Ukraine. Key numbers: Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations. Why it matters: The investigation has been referred to the Justice Department. The removal comes as the Pentagon reportedly weighs renewed military action against Iran, and sources said Hegseth had lost confidence in Sylvia amid tensions with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

War Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior Pentagon strategic planner, amid an investigation into alleged leaks of classified information about the Iran war and Russia's war in Ukraine.

The investigation has been referred to the Justice Department. The removal comes as the Pentagon reportedly weighs renewed military action against Iran, and sources said Hegseth had lost confidence in Sylvia amid tensions with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby.