Why it matters:
The dismissals are part of a broader purge of senior military and intelligence officials under the Trump administration, raising concerns about politicization within traditionally apolitical U.S. defense institutions. The move signals growing tensions between intelligence assessments and presidential expectations.
Flashback:
On June 22, 2025, the United States launched airstrikes against three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as part of Operation Midnight Hammer. Trump then claimed in a presser that his order to the strike led to the complete destruction of the Iranian nuclear sites.
The big picture:
After the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear sites, which have been under IAEA close observation, Iran has limited its cooperation with the IAEA. Yet, on the one hand, Iranian officials have not declared the extent of damage, and on the other hand, contradictory reports and assessments are sent to the Oval Office. The U.S. is struggling to send the IAEA's inspectors (who seem to be American spies) to obtain the exact image of the damage.
What they're saying:
Unnamed U.S. senior defense official: “Kruse will no longer serve as DIA director,” without explanation.
Senator Mark Warner (D): “The firing underscores the Trump administration’s dangerous habit of treating intelligence as a loyalty test rather than a safeguard for our country.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintains the president is simply appointing preferred leaders.
Go deeper:
U.S. Attacks on Iran Violation of NPT: Russia
Neda Sajjadi - seyed mohammad kazemi
