The Pentagon has announced that US Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down from his role with immediate effect. The news was shared by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who did not provide a specific reason for the sudden departure. Following Phelan’s exit, Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over as acting secretary. Cao, a Navy veteran with 25 years of service, is expected to lead during this transitional period. Phelan’s departure is part of a broader wave of leadership changes within the US military. In recent months, several high-ranking officials have either stepped down or been removed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has overseen the removal of multiple senior officers, including key figures in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These leadership changes come at a time of increasing geopolitical tension. The United States remains involved in a conflict linked to Iran and Israel, while also maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil, has seen continued clashes, adding to global concerns. Iran has stated that the strait cannot be reopened due to what it describes as violations of the ceasefire by the US and its allies. Meanwhile, the White House has expressed confidence in its current strategy, stating that Iran is in a weakened position. Phelan, who became Navy Secretary in March 2025, did not have a prior military background before his appointment. His sudden departure raises questions about internal decisions within the administration and the future direction of US military leadership. As tensions remain high and leadership shifts continue, the situation is being closely monitored by global observers concerned about stability and security in the region....create image of this articleandd don't add text in image