Head of Defense Intelligence Agency Fired Amid Iran Assessment Controversy

Defense Secretary Pete Hegses has dismissed General Jeffrey Cruze from his position as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). This decision comes in response to Cruze’s recent assessment regarding U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

A senior official disclosed to Fox News Digital that Cruze’s role at the DIA was no longer tenable. This move follows the leak of details surrounding a preliminary evaluation of DIA’s Midnight Hammer Operation, which cast doubts on the efficacy of U.S. actions against Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Recently, President Trump claimed that Iran’s nuclear program had been “completely wiped out” after a June strike. However, the DIA’s findings revealed that the impact of the strike may have only temporarily hindered Iran’s progress.

During a press conference following the strikes, Hegses faced tough questioning from the media, who were accused of misrepresenting the situation. He criticized the press for what he perceived as an effort to undermine the administration’s achievements regarding the attacks.

In addition to firing Cruze, Hegses also removed Rear Admiral Nancy Lacore, head of the Naval Reserve, and Milton Sands, who leads the Naval Special Warfare Command. Lacore, who commanded around 59,000 personnel, has a notable background as a naval aviator. The reasons behind her dismissal, however, remain unclear.

Hegses’ decisions come amid a broader trend of military personnel changes under the Trump administration, which has seen several high-ranking officials, including General CQ Brown Jr. and other service branch lawyers, replaced in recent months.