Pentagon accuses fired general of leaking classified intel on Iran war to media

The Pentagon has accused fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia of leaking classified intelligence on the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict to journalists, claiming he failed three polygraph tests. The case has been referred to the Justice Department. President Trump commented on the firing, mistakenly referring to Sylvia as a woman.

The Pentagon has accused recently fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia of leaking classified intelligence about the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict to journalists. A defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Sylvia failed three polygraph tests on the matter. Sylvia was ousted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as head of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with no reason given initially. The case has been referred to the Justice Department for potential legal action. President Donald Trump, when asked about the firing, mistakenly referred to Sylvia as a woman and said leakers would face problems. The Joint Staff withdrew an earlier statement wishing Sylvia well, saying it did not reflect the full circumstances. Sylvia did not respond to messages seeking comment. The article notes this is part of a pattern under Hegseth of accusing Pentagon officials of leaking, including firing three aides last year.