The Pentagon has accused former US Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia of leaking classified information about the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict to journalists, following his dismissal from a senior military planning position. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Sylvia as director of Strategy, Plans and Policy at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a key position responsible for coordinating military planning and advising senior defence leadership. The allegations emerged after the Pentagon confirmed his removal, with a defence official claiming that Sylvia had failed three polygraph tests conducted as part of an investigation into suspected leaks. The matter has been referred to the US Department of Justice for possible further legal action.

According to Pentagon officials, Sylvia was investigated over allegations that he shared classified information concerning the US military's involvement in the Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war and other sensitive subjects with members of the media. A senior defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the general had been meeting journalists outside the Pentagon to disclose restricted information. The official alleged that the extent of the disclosures had become serious enough to require immediate action to protect national security. The Pentagon also claimed that Sylvia failed three separate polygraph examinations in which he was questioned about sharing classified material. However, the allegations have not yet resulted in publicly announced criminal charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.

An investigation report reviewed by Axios reportedly provided additional details about Sylvia's alleged interactions with journalists. According to the report, the general admitted to making unauthorised disclosures about the wars in Iran and Ukraine to two reporters from separate media organisations over approximately one year. The alleged disclosures reportedly began in June 2025 and continued through subsequent communications. Investigators also examined messages exchanged through the encrypted messaging application Signal. The report alleged that Sylvia had deleted communication records involving one journalist, although the general reportedly said he could not remember the precise contents of certain messages. In another instance, investigators alleged that he met a journalist at a restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, and verbally shared information after reviewing a classified report. These details emerged from the internal investigation and have not been independently established through a criminal court proceeding.

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The controversy also involved the Joint Staff's handling of Sylvia's departure. Initially, a spokesperson issued a statement thanking the general and his family for 32 years of military service and wishing them well. However, the Joint Staff later withdrew the statement, saying that, after further review, it did not appropriately reflect the full circumstances surrounding his removal. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell separately said that the department had taken necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information following an investigation conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He added that the matter, along with other related issues, had been referred to the Justice Department for potential legal action. The department declined to provide further details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Sylvia's dismissal is another significant development in Hegseth's wider campaign against unauthorised disclosures within the Defence Department. The defence secretary has introduced stricter rules governing media access to the Pentagon and increased scrutiny of officials suspected of sharing sensitive information with journalists. Several media organisations and reporters have challenged the restrictions, arguing that they could undermine press freedom and limit public access to information about military operations. The administration has defended the measures as necessary to protect classified material and national security. Hegseth previously established a joint task force involving the Pentagon and Justice Department to identify and investigate suspected leaks. Polygraph examinations have also become part of the department's efforts to identify officials accused of unauthorised disclosures.

Before his removal, Sylvia served as one of the senior military planners on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, heading the Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy, commonly known as the J5. The position involves developing and coordinating military strategies and advising the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior officials. He previously commanded the US Army's 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His military career spanned 32 years, and his decorations included six Bronze Star Medals, including one for valour, and a Purple Heart. The Pentagon has not announced an immediate replacement for him. His removal comes as the Trump administration considers the possibility of renewed military action against Iran following the November midterm elections, adding further attention to the security of sensitive military planning information.

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