Navy Secretary John Phelan fired

Phelan's departure marks the latest high-level exit from President Donald Trump's military leadership during the ongoing Iran conflict.

Hung Cao, a Trump-backed combat veteran, has been named as the acting secretary to oversee the Navy's critical role in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources suggest that Phelan's direct communications with the White House bypassed established chains of command, creating tension with senior defense officials.

The move comes as the U.S. military continues to enforce a complex naval blockade against Iranian oil shipments.