Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said last month that the US has slashed the number of its generals and admirals by 20%, in a move he said is aimed at 'accountability'. (AFP pic)WASHINGTON: The US has fired its top military planner, The Atlantic reported Wednesday, in a surprise shake-up as President Donald Trump appears to be preparing to resume large-scale strikes against Iran.

Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia was removed this week from his role as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the magazine reported, citing unidentified defense department officials.

Sylvia's ouster would be the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the military since Trump returned to power a year ago.