Bangkok [Thailand], April 23 (ANI) — The Iranian Embassy in Thailand once again took aim at Donald Trump’s administration after the abrupt departure of U.S. Navy Secretary John C. Phelan. In a post on X, the mission highlighted Phelan’s exit and quipped, “Regiment change continues.”
The message follows a pattern of pointed commentary from the embassy aimed at the incoming U.S. administration. Earlier, the mission posted a satirical message mocking the White House after U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned, suggesting that “regime change” seemed to be occurring inside the United States rather than abroad.
Phelan’s sudden resignation adds to turbulence within the U.S. defense establishment. The Pentagon confirmed that Phelan left “effective immediately,” making him the first service secretary to resign during Trump’s second term. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell thanked Phelan for his service but did not provide a formal explanation for the abrupt departure.
Observers view Phelan’s exit as part of a wider, aggressive shake-up at the Pentagon overseen by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who has coordinated the removal of several senior military leaders. Among those reported removed are Army Chief Gen. Randy George and a number of senior admirals and generals, following earlier departures by Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr. The changes reflect an extensive overhaul of senior military leadership that has unfolded since early 2025.
The vacancy at the top of the Navy comes as U.S. maritime forces remain heavily engaged around Iran, including an enforced naval blockade of Iranian ports. Although a fragile ceasefire has been in place, American forces have continued strikes on vessels linked to Tehran and maintained a strong presence in strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. Recent attacks on commercial shipping have escalated tensions and strained the truce.
Washington has extended the cessation of hostilities while keeping the naval blockade in place — a step Tehran says violates the agreement — and Iran has so far declined to resume diplomatic talks.
The defense-sector turnover coincides with personnel changes in the civilian cabinet. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned on Monday; White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung confirmed her departure on X, saying she “will be leaving the Administration to take a position in the private sector.” Her deputy, Keith Sonderling, will serve as acting secretary.
Chavez-DeRemer, who joined the department in March 2025 after two years in the U.S. House of Representatives, left amid reports of misconduct involving senior staff and personal indiscretions, according to Politico. Reported allegations include an affair with a member of her security detail, unprofessional conduct during work hours, and claims that aides altered official schedules to accommodate personal travel. She is expected to move to a private-sector role.
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