In U.S, the Department of War announced that Secretary of the Navy John C Phelan is stepping down with immediate effect, with Hung Cao set to take over as Acting Secretary of the Navy. The development was confirmed by Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who thanked Phelan for his service and said the administration wishes him well in his future endeavours.
In a post on social media yesterday, Parnell wrote, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately. 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.
The announcement comes as the US Navy continues enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports during the ceasefire, with American forces having redirected 29 vessels back to port and intercepting ships attempting to breach the restrictions.
Meanwhile, earlier, US President Donald Trump hinted at a possible diplomatic breakthrough with Iran, even as maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten to collapse a fragile regional ceasefire.
