State-owned Iranian news outlet Press TV claims that U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette, head of the John C. Stennis carrier group, who has been recalled for “inappropriate leadership judgment,” was part of a plot to overthrow the U.S. government if Barack Obama should be re-elected as president.
"The decision was made based on a conversation with the Secretary of Defense who, at the end of the talk, believed Gaouette was part of a group of military officers who have been under suspicion for planning a 'Seven Days in May' type overthrow of the US government if President Obama is re-elected," columnist Gordon Duff wrote.
"This is not conjecture," he insisted. "[D]ozens of key officers face firing, hundreds are under investigation, all with direct ties to extremist elements in the Republican Party and the Israeli lobby."
"Reports received are sourced at the highest levels of the Pentagon and indicate that the administration has been aware of these plans for months."
The U.S. Navy on Wednesday denied another report that has been circulating on the Internet, which claims Gaouette's removal was related to the Sept. 11 U.S. consulate attack in Libya.
Reports have claimed the admiral wanted to send help during the deadly attack and disobeyed orders to stand down.
Officials have stressed that the accusations against Gaouette are not about personal misbehavior, such as drinking or sexual harassment.
On Wednesday, Rear Adm. John Kirby, chief of naval information at the Pentagon said: “Rumors of this having anything to do with Libya and the Benghazi attack are simply false and ridiculous.”
According to UT San Diego, "Research of the Stennis’ location indicates that the aircraft carrier was oceans away from the scene on Sept. 11.
"On Sept. 11, the ships were still in the Pacific, according to a Facebook video of a Sept. 11, 2001, remembrance ceremony held that day in the Stennis hangar bay.
"On Sept. 15, the ship posted a Facebook video in which Gaouette said that the carrier group was in the Pacific, heading toward the Indian Ocean."