Washington, 23 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - The US administration has replaced its navy secretary amid an ongoing maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration with immediate effect, a Pentagon spokesman said on X. Undersecretary Hung Cao will assume the duties on an interim basis. No reason was given for the change.

Phelan, a former investment banker, took up the role in March 2025. His work focused on strengthening shipbuilding and the maritime industry.

The New York Times reported, citing unnamed sources, that tensions had been building for months between Phelan and his superiors, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg. Feinberg was increasingly dissatisfied with Phelan's handling of a new naval shipbuilding initiative, the report said.

In December, Phelan appeared alongside US President Donald Trump to announce plans for new battleships to be named after the president. At the event, Trump spoke highly of Phelan.

The personnel change comes as the US Navy plays a central role in Trump's Iran strategy, including a maritime blockade aimed at cutting Tehran off from key revenue streams. The blockade applies to all vessels departing from or heading to Iranian ports.

The move follows earlier leadership changes in the military, including the forced resignation of the US Army chief of staff several weeks ago.

Photo: US Navy