U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Randy George to step down, triggering a significant leadership change at the top of the United States Army.

According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, General George will retire immediately from his role as the 41st Chief of Staff, cutting short what is typically a four-year term. George, a seasoned military officer and graduate of United States Military Academy at West Point, was nominated to the position in 2023 by former President Joe Biden.

No official reason has been provided for the abrupt decision, though a senior defence official indicated that “it was time for a leadership change.” The move comes amid broader military and geopolitical developments, including recent comments by Donald Trump suggesting that the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran could conclude “very shortly.”

General George’s career spans decades, including service as an infantry officer during the Gulf War and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. His tenure has been marked by operational leadership across multiple theatres.

He will be succeeded on an acting basis by Vice Chief of Staff Christopher LaNeve, described by Pentagon leadership as a highly experienced and trusted commander aligned with the administration’s strategic vision.

The shake-up extends beyond the Army chief. Reports indicate that David Hodne, who led the Army’s Transformation and Training Command, and William Green, head of the Chaplain Corps, have also been removed from their posts.

Since assuming office, Hegseth has overseen the dismissal of more than a dozen senior military officials, including top Navy and Air Force leaders, signaling a sweeping effort to reshape the U.S. military’s leadership structure.

A major Muslim gathering in northern Paris will proceed as scheduled after a French administrative court overturned a government attempt to ban the event, marking a significant legal reaffirmation of civil liberties.

The Paris police authority had sought to block the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France, arguing that the event posed a potential security risk, including the possibility of terrorist targeting and disruptions by far-right groups. However, the organisers—Muslims of France (MF)—challenged the decision in court, asserting that such a ban would violate fundamental freedoms.

In a ruling delivered just two hours before the planned opening, the administrative court sided with the organisers. Judges stated that the evidence presented by police “did not establish” a credible risk of counter-demonstrations or attacks by extremist groups. The court also rejected claims that the gathering would overstretch police resources, noting that organisers had committed to implementing additional security measures.

The event, which blends religious, cultural, and commercial elements, has historically attracted tens of thousands of attendees from across Europe. Although it was once held annually, it has not taken place since 2019, making this year’s edition particularly significant for participants.

Authorities had justified the proposed ban by citing a “particularly tense” national and international climate, warning that the Muslim community could face heightened risks. Concerns were also raised about possible interference from foreign actors seeking to destabilise the situation.

France has previously accused countries such as Russia and Iran of attempting to fuel unrest through indirect actions, including small-scale provocations.

The decision comes as the French government advances plans for a new “anti-separatism” law aimed at strengthening oversight of organisations accused of promoting ideas seen as incompatible with republican values. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the proposed measures would expand the government’s ability to regulate associations, including oversight of childcare structures and banning publications that incite hatred, violence, or discrimination.

Despite ongoing political debate, the court’s ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in balancing security concerns with the protection of individual freedoms, allowing the high-profile gathering to move forward under monitored conditions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that recent Israeli strikes have significantly impacted Iran’s industrial capacity, claiming that roughly 70% of the country’s steel production has been destroyed. In a video message shared on social media, Netanyahu described the development as a “tremendous achievement,” emphasizing that it weakens the financial and military capabilities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

He highlighted close coordination with Donald Trump and cooperation between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the United States military, signaling continued joint efforts. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ongoing operations, stating that actions would persist against Iranian-linked forces, including Hezbollah, as part of broader regional security objectives.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Gulf region have drawn attention following conflicting claims over attacks on infrastructure in Kuwait. Iran’s IRGC accused Israel of targeting a water desalination facility and a power plant, allegations that emerged after reports suggested Iran had been responsible. The IDF responded by stating it was “not aware” of such an operation.

In its official statement, the IRGC condemned the reported incidents and urged Middle Eastern nations to remain vigilant against what it described as efforts by the United States and Israel to destabilize the region. Notably, the statement did not reference a separate report involving a Kuwaiti oil refinery that was also said to have been targeted.

Earlier in the week, Iranian officials had similarly accused Israel of striking a desalination facility in Kuwait. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command, described the alleged attack as “brutal aggression” and suggested it was an attempt to shift blame onto Iran.

The accusations followed an overnight incident at a Kuwaiti power and desalination plant that reportedly resulted in the death of an Indian worker and caused structural damage. Zolfaghari called on regional governments to remain alert, framing the situation as part of broader geopolitical maneuvering.