US officials say Navy Secretary John C Phelan has left the Trump administration immediately, with Undersecretary Hung Cao stepping in as acting Secretary of the Navy. The change was confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell as Washington continues responding to escalating Iran-related tensions.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen while the US maintains a naval blockade. He called the blockade a “blatant violation of the ceasefire,” arguing that achieving a full ceasefire is pointless if the restrictive measures remain in place. The statement heightens uncertainty for regional shipping routes.
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President Donald Trump says Navy Secretary John Phelan was dismissed after conflicts tied to shipbuilding. Phelan, a billionaire with reported ties to Trump, was also described as moving too slowly on reforms. The shakeup comes as tensions with Iran persist despite a ceasefire, with Washington boosting naval assets in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is under firm US control and ordered the US Navy to respond to any ships it deems a threat to the vital shipping lane. His comments come amid reports that Iran seized two vessels in the region, escalating tensions and signaling a tougher US posture until an Iran deal is reached.
US Navy Secretary John Phelan has suddenly left his post, with Undersecretary Hung Cao stepping in as acting leader. The change adds to a broader wave of Pentagon reshuffles under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Phelan’s departure comes as US naval operations intensify across the Middle East and the Caribbean, raising questions about what’s next.
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