US Defense Secretary Hegseth removes top military officials amid Iran tensions

Washington D.C. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed top US military officials from their posts amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. On Thursday, he directed US Army Chief of Staff Randy George to retire immediately.

Along with him, two other senior generals, Chief of Chaplains Major General William Green Jr. and head of the Army Futures and Concepts Center David Hodne, have also been relieved of their duties.

This decision comes one day after US President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding the Iran war. In that address, Trump signaled an intensification of attacks on Iran.

Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed George's immediate retirement via social media, expressing gratitude for his long-term service.

According to sources, senior officials within the military are surprised by this decision. George was informed of his removal via phone during a meeting.

As Army Chief, George had been working closely with Dan Driscoll. Driscoll is considered an official close to the White House. It has been reported that his relationship with Hegseth was occasionally strained.

George's sudden and public removal is being analyzed as a sign of instability in US military leadership amid the conflict with Iran. In particular, as the US Army is the primary body providing air and missile defense systems, such a decision is expected to have strategic consequences.