US fires top military planner as Trump appears to prepare renewed strikes on Iran

■ Steady

US removes top military planner as Vance proposes restarting Iran talks

On Thursday, The Atlantic reported that Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Trump appears to be preparing to resume large-scale strikes on Iran. The Pentagon says the war has cost US taxpayers $47bn. A British maritime agency reported a ship on fire in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, and Iran says it shot down another US drone. Diplomacy continues in parallel: Vance wrote to an Iranian official proposing an immediate resumption of comprehensive talks, while Trump denies peace talks are under way.

• Vance's letter proposes resuming comprehensive talks, including on Iran's nuclear program.
• Iran's foreign minister Araghchi says Iran is in close contact with mediators on its seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
• Gulf-backed talks aim to reopen Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted and to have the Houthis withdraw substantial forces inside Yemen; the US reportedly wants a concession, possibly UN weapons inspectors returning.
• Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey took their peace push to Tehran on Wednesday.