Trump said Phelan did “an outstanding job” over the past year, referring to him as “smart, tough, and respected by all.”
“I very much appreciate the job that he has done, and would certainly like to have him back within the Trump Administration sometime in the future,” Trump said Thursday.
U.S.-Iran peace talks stall with Tehran yet to commit to second meeting
The shifts among U.S. military leadership and the struggle within international waters is taking place against the backdrop of stalled peace talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Vice President J.D. Vance, who is set to once again lead the U.S. delegation, was expected to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, this week for a second round of negotiations. But he remains grounded as Tehran has yet to confirm if they will return to the table, despite mediator Pakistan urging both sides to attend.
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, told state television this week that the uncertainty was not due to indecision on Iran’s part, but was instead down to “contradictory messages” from Washington.