Hegseth Forces Army Chief's Retirement Amid Iran War

0:00U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just forced the Army's top uniformed officer, General Randy George, to retire effective immediately, with the Pentagon staying mum on why. This shake-up hits as the U.S. pushes deep into its war against Iran, now nearly five weeks since U.S. and Israeli strikes kicked off, and no end date in. Sight from President Trump. George took the Army Chief of Staff job back in August 2023, a West Point grad with tours in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He dodged the first wave of firings earlier this year, but joins over a dozen other top generals and admirals shown the door by Hegseth since he started. Stepping in his acting chief is Lieutenant General Christopher Leneve, who rocketed up from two-star status just two years back. Troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are deploying to the Middle East alongside thousands of Marines and gear, ramping up the pressure. Trump promised the hit Iran extremely hard over the next two to three weeks, and Hegseth

1:00backed it with a blunt social media post-signalling total. Take down. Oil prices exploded Thursday, with West Texas Intermediate jumping 11.4% to $111.54A, barrel, and brunt up nearly 8% to $109.03. Meanwhile, European nations met virtually to tackle reopening the Strait of Hormuz, chaired by Britain's foreign minister who slammed Iran's blockade, for hurting global households and businesses. No firm deals yet, but they agreed on free passage without fees from Iran. Military planners convened next week on mines and escorts. Iran countered with plans for ship permits alongside Oman, and vowed long-term closure to U.S. and Israeli vessels. As prices stayed volatile below recent peaks near $120, investors everywhere are asking the big question. When does this war wrap? The military churn and Strait standoff keep tensions boiling. That wrap's Sydney news today brought to you with AI. I'm Cory with the story.