Details on firing of Navy secretary amid Iran war, Strait of Hormuz blockade

CBS News
April 23, 2026
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2 min read

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Navy Secretary John Phelan was fired amid an ongoing war with Iran and Strait of Hormuz blockade.

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John Phelan, the Navy secretary, was fired by the Pentagon on Wednesday night. This leadership change occurs amid an ongoing war with Iran and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The abrupt dismissal of the Navy's top civilian official signals significant upheaval within the Department of Defense during a period of heightened military tension. CBS News senior White House and Political correspondent Ed O'Keefe is reporting on the development.

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John Phelan, the Navy secretary, was fired by the Pentagon.

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