In a statement posted on social media Wednesday evening, Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said that US Navy Secretary John Phelan would be departing “effective immediately”, without providing further details on the reasons behind the move.
“On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy,” said Parnell.
Although the Pentagon gave no official reason for the dismissal, reports indicate the decision was linked to internal disputes, including tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, US media reported.
This surprise announcement came while the US Navy is carrying out a blockade of Iranian ports and ships during a ceasefire in the Iran war to restrict Iran’s oil exports and apply economic pressure on Tehran. This is the latest in a shakeup of the American military during the war on Iran, now in its eighth week.
As the US Navy’s top civilian official, Phelan had various responsibilities, including overseeing recruiting, mobilizing and organizing, as well as construction and repair of ships and military equipment.
He was appointed in 2024 as a political ally of Trump, despite having no prior military or defense leadership experience.
Before entering government, Phelan was a businessman and investment executive, as well as a major Republican donor and fundraiser. According to Reuters, Phelan’s tenure quickly became controversial. He faced criticism for moving too slowly on shipbuilding reforms and for strained relationships with key Pentagon figures, including Hegseth and his Deputy, Steve Feinberg.
In addition, Phelan was reportedly under an ethics investigation, which may have weakened his standing in the administration.
Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao, who was also reported to have a difficult relationship with Phelan, has become Acting Secretary. Fifty-four-year-old Cao is a 25-year Navy veteran who previously ran as a Republican candidate for the US Senate and House of Representatives in 2022 and 2024 respectively, but was unsuccessful on both occasions.
Democrats have criticized Phelan’s removal, calling it “troubling”.
Phelan’s removal is the latest in a series of senior military leaders being fired or are leaving during the US-Israeli war on Iran, in addition to others since Trump was re-elected.
Among the most notable dismissals was Army Chief of Staff General Randy A. George, in the first week of April. George was appointed in 2023 under former US President Joe Biden.
The 62-year-old’s removal comes during a fragile ceasefire with Iran, as the US continues to move more naval assets into the region.
However, there are no indications that Trump is willing to end the blockade or other naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations between Washington and Tehran have come to a standstill, Al Jazeera reported.
Tensions have escalated in recent days after the US military seized an Iranian container ship. The US claimed it was attempting to sail from the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
Tehran responded by describing the attack and hijack as an act of “piracy”. Iran has since captured two cargo ships and fired at another.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that there is no fixed timeline for the conflict with Iran, dismissing suggestions that domestic politics are shaping his decisions.
In a television interview, Trump said there was no time pressure regarding the ceasefire he extended on Tuesday or the launch of new negotiations with Tehran.
He added that the United States would continue its blockade of Iranian ports despite extending the truce, without indicating when the measures might be lifted, to pressure Iran to submit a unified proposal to revive talks. (CNN; Reuters; Al Jazeera; File Photo © AP: US Navy Secretary John Phelan)
