The United States has removed its Navy Secretary, John Phelan, in a sudden leadership shake-up during heightened tensions with Iran, raising concerns about stability within the Pentagon.
According to reports, Phelan was dismissed from his position with immediate effect following growing disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Pentagon confirmed his departure but did not officially disclose the reason behind the move.
Sources indicate that the decision stemmed from internal conflicts over military strategy, particularly disagreements regarding naval modernization and shipbuilding priorities. Phelan had been advocating large-scale fleet expansion initiatives, while Pentagon leadership favored alternative approaches, leading to friction at the highest levels.
READ MORE: Gold Price Falls for Fourth Consecutive Day to Around Rs. 4.9 Lakh Per Tola in Pakistan
The situation escalated further as Phelan’s relationship with senior defense officials deteriorated, including tensions with Hegseth and other top Pentagon figures.
His removal comes at a critical time, as the US continues naval operations linked to the Iran conflict, including heightened activity around the Strait of Hormuz. The timing of the decision has sparked concerns among analysts about leadership continuity during an ongoing geopolitical crisis.
Following his exit, Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao has been appointed as acting Navy Secretary, ensuring continuity in command while the administration considers a permanent replacement.
Phelan’s dismissal is part of a broader pattern of leadership changes within the Pentagon under the current administration, reflecting ongoing internal restructuring during a period of global tension.
