Steve Forbes has stressed the urgency for the United States to intensify its efforts in dismantling the regime in Tehran, emphasizing that ensuring the unhindered flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical American objective that should not be compromised.

As tensions with Iran escalate, marked by the U.S.’s continued military actions targeting the region for the ninth consecutive day as of Sunday, the question of America’s unwavering stance against Iran is more pertinent than ever. During Freedom Fest in Las Vegas, Forbes, the influential chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes and a past presidential contender, provided his insights to News Media, dissecting the Trump administration’s foreign strategy towards Iran.

“Tracing back to Thomas Jefferson’s era, a fundamental aspect of U.S. foreign policy has been the protection of maritime freedom. Our commitment to this principle even drew us into the War of 1812 against Great Britain,” Forbes remarked.

“The United States has upheld this doctrine for over two centuries. The Strait of Hormuz, much like the South China Sea, is recognized as international waters, and it is imperative that we keep those passageways unobstructed.”

“No tolls, no restrictions, all ships of commerce should have free passage through it unmolested.”

Forbes said that with proper application of air power, boots on the ground wouldn’t be needed, but he would not discard that as an option, bringing the example of the engagement with the Barbary pirates, which brought freedom of navigation to the Mediterranean following the completion of the First Barbary War of 1805.

“If we do things right in the air, that won’t be necessary. But as we demonstrated with the Barbary pirates, sometimes you do need hand-to-hand combat. But again, with our great military and the great Israeli military, we should be able to bring this evil regime down and enable the elements in the Iranian army that want change to feel we’re not going to pull the rug out from under them with another fake ceasefire. That we keep hammering away at this evil regime.”

Ultimately, Forbes said freedom of navigation should be an international red line:

“So the key thing is if you don’t enforce these key principles of freedom of navigation, liberty, you’re going to lose them. Ronald Reagan was right. Others have made the same observation. You have to preserve liberty each and every generation.”

Forbes said that the time for diplomacy with Tehran has passed, and encouraged the Trump administration to ratchet up the pressure, while also praising a recent decision on Ukraine policy.

“Get Iran done with. No more fake ceasefires. Get rid of that evil regime. By the way, I’m delighted that he’s saying he’s going to give licensing for Patriot missiles to Ukraine. That’ll bring a good result there.”

In a significant political shift, Andy Burnham, previously the mayor of Greater Manchester, is positioned to replace Keir Starmer, stepping into the role of the UK’s seventh prime minister in just ten years. Burnham, now at the helm of the Labour Party, will be finalizing his ascent on Monday.

Burnham’s return to the political spotlight was marked by his victory in a closely contested special election in June. This victory heralded his comeback to Parliament, with the official swearing-in taking place on July 12—mere hours after Keir Starmer, faced with dwindling popularity, announced his intention to resign after serving two years.

Starmer is set to make the ceremonial journey from Downing Street to Buckingham Palace, where he will formally submit his resignation to King Charles III.

Following this, Burnham, at 56, will be invited to the palace by Charles, who will task him with forming a new government—a formal process often referred to as “kissing hands,” which will mark the beginning of his premiership.

Catch up on the latest developments.

Keir Starmer sys ‘work is done’ as he leaves Downing Street

Keir Starmer said “my work is done,” as he prepares to leave Downing Street for the last time to resign as prime minister.

The outgoing leader, forced to resign by his own party,, said Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.”

Starmer spoke outside 10 Downing St. before he heads to Buckingham Palace to offer his resignation to King Charles III.

Andy Burnham will make a speech in the same spot after he is formally appointed prime minister by the king.

Press pack gathers outside famous black door

Dozens of reporters and photographers from international media have packed the street outside No. 10 Downing Street.

They have gathered about half an hour ahead of Keir Starmer’s departure from his official residence to see King Charles III and formally resign as prime minister.

Police have put up extra metal barriers outside the famous black door to prevent people standing directly in front.

The lion and the unicorn in front of No. 10

You know it’s the business of government — and not just politics — when the lectern in front of 10 Downing Street features the curious crest with a lion and a unicorn on it.

The lectern was set up in advance of Keir Starmer’s final speech as prime minister.

The two creatures share the distinction of being part of the royal coat of arms since the 17th century.

The lion, although never living in the wild of England, is its national animal. The unicorn, though fictional, is Scotland’s official animal.

The two became part of the crest when the two crowns were united in 1603, when King James I ascended the throne in England. He was already King James VI in Scotland.

An unwelcome soundtrack may not drown out new leader

Protesters have a habit of blasting music that mocks prime ministers outside 10 Downing Street.

Starmer did not escape the abuse, nor did his predecessor.

But Burnham could avoid an unwanted soundtrack after the Metropolitan Police banned the use of loud speakers by anyone gathering outside the gates to Downing Street between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Starmer began his resignation speech last month as the European Union anthem, Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” echoed from the walls behind him.

Rishi Sunak, the Conservative Party’s last prime minister, was nearly drowned out by the volume when he called the July 4, 2024, election that would see Starmer and Labour sweep him out of office.

It seemed prescient as Sunak stood in a downpour to the tune of D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better,” a rival Labour campaign song from the Tony Blair era.

Headlines the next day showed a soaked Sunak and said, “Things can only get wetter.”

Get ready to kiss hands

The political ritual at Buckingham Palace to change British prime ministers has specific steps.

The outgoing prime minister, Keir Starmer in this case, goes to the palace to offer his resignation to the king.

Then the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham later today, sweeps in for a private ceremony known as the “Kissing of Hands,’’ though no hands are actually kissed.

Instead, the king will ask Burnham to form a new government. Burnham will bow, shake Charles’ hand and assume his new role. A photo will be snapped to record the moment power is transferred.

“The proof, if proof were needed, is the photograph and the film footage that we will also see of the encounter,″ said Joe Little, the managing editor of Majesty Magazine. “That is the defining moment.”

Outside the palace, there is usually a swirl of activity as commentators breathlessly speculate on what’s being said inside and news helicopters hover overhead.

Traditionally, the new prime minister leaves the palace in a government car and heads to his official home and office behind the famous black door of No. 10 Downing Street, where he will make a statement.

Britain’s new prime minister had ‘unfinished business’

Andy Burnham served in Labour governments two decades ago before leaving London in 2017 to run for mayor of Greater Manchester.

Burnham was a popular leader for the northwest England city, overseeing economic regeneration, improved public transport and growing cultural confidence.

Burnham, 56, says he had “unfinished business” on the national stage and Starmer’s troubles gave him the opportunity to return to Parliament after winning a special election.

Burnham says he will replicate “Manchesterism” on a national scale, harnessing public and private investment to spur economic growth and handing power from central government to local and regional leaders across the country. And he’s pledging to restore a sense of hope to politics.

But he will have to convince a skeptical British public that he has what it takes to make their lives better.

What will happen at Buckingham Palace

Andy Burnham has been UK leader in waiting for the past week. But he does not become prime minister until King Charles says so.

That will happen today at Buckingham Palace in an exchange that embodies the fact that in this parliamentary democracy, the right to govern is still derived from royal authority.

The ceremony harkens back to a time when the king exercised supreme power and chose his preeminent minister, the prime minister, to run his government.

That has changed, of course. Modern Britain is a constitutional monarchy where the king’s powers are strictly limited by law and tradition. But centuries after real power was transferred to the elected House of Commons, many things retain echoes of the past.

One of those is the moment when the king formally asks a politician selected by his or her party to form the next government.

How Britain got to this point

Britain got its most recent prime minister just two years ago, when Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a landslide election victory.

Starmer’s honeymoon was short-lived. A series of missteps and policy U-turns saw public support drain away. After dire local election results in May, the Labour Party took the nuclear option and forced him to resign.

Britain’s parliamentary democracy allows governing parties to change leaders midterm, with the winner becoming prime minister without the need for a general election.

The next national election does not have to be held until 2029, five years from the last election in 2024, though Burnham can call one sooner if he wants.

Get ready to meet the chief mouser

Before the day is over, Andy Burnham is likely to encounter Larry the cat, the most famous permanent resident of No. 10 Downing Street.

The gray and white tabby has lived at the prime minister’s residence since 2011, surviving six of Burnham’s predecessors.

A one-time stray adopted to help combat a rodent problem, Larry now regally patrols Downing Street, often appearing just as visiting dignitaries arrive.

He already has been seen Monday morning, the center of attention in front of the polished black door.

Larry is the most stable thing in British politics, said photographer Justin Ng, one of the cat’s most frequent chroniclers.

″(He’s) like the night watchman of Downing Street,’’ Ng said. “He’s looking out, looking out for people. People are reassured (by) his presence that things will carry on.

These days Larry has his own profile on the government website and more than 900,000 followers on X. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently stopped to say hello, but all leaders hope to be seen by his side.

Now he just has to win over Burnham’s dog, Axel. No problem, right?

It’s moving day at Downing Street

It’s a day of action at Downing Street, the British prime minister’s official residence.

Departing leader Keir Starmer will give a short farewell speech before going to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to King Charles III. The king will then invite new Labour Party leader Andy Burnham to the palace and ask him to form a government.

Burnham will then address the nation for the first time as prime minister in front of the famous black door of 10 Downing St.

Labour is hoping Burnham’s arrival will signal an end to the rapid turnover of UK leaders. He will be the country’s seventh prime minister since 2016.

Just before Marc Cucurella contributed to Spain’s World Cup victory, he was seen placing a ‘lucky’ coin into the field. This mirrored a cherished ritual by Joan Capdevila, another Spanish football hero, who performed the same act before Spain’s 2010 World Cup success.

Capdevila watched intently from the stands, capturing the moment as Cucurella pulled a coin from his sock and tucked it into the ground while the teams lined up for the start. Previously, Capdevila had even sought help from former US president Donald Trump in securing an ESTA visa to witness the final against Argentina.

Following Spain’s tight 1-0 victory, Capdevila took to the platform X to disclose how he had urged Cucurella to perform this secret act, a tradition he himself followed when Spain bested the Netherlands in South Africa 16 years ago.

Capdevila reminisced on X, saying, ‘In 2010, I hid a coin in the grass before we began the match… I’ve recounted this story countless times.’ He continued, ‘I asked Marc to do it as well yesterday…’

Expressing his affection and pride, Capdevila exclaimed, ‘Marc, I adore you. YOU ARE A WORLD CHAMPION!’

Capdevila shared a video of Cucurella appearing to follow his lead, trotting across the turf during the warm-up and checking to see if anyone is watching him. 

When the coast is clear, Cucurella bends down and takes the coin out of his sock and appears to dig it into the pitch, before speeding off to rejoin his team-mates. 

Now 48, Capdevila started all seven games for then-Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque’s historic team in 2010. 

Remarkably, the former Villarreal star was the only member of Spain’s starting lineup for the final who wasn’t a member of Real Madrid or Barcelona. 

Capdevila had previously shared a message for US Customs and Border Protection, Trump, and Spain’s ministry of education, vocational training and sports. 

‘I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump,’ read Capdevila’s social media post. ‘They just told me that I can’t travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA [Electronic System for Travel Authorization] has been denied.

‘Can anyone help me with this?’ he asked his followers. ‘You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on.

‘I can’t believe they’re not letting me into the USA… and that I’ll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much.’

He also pleaded his case to Spanish radio station, COPE, sharing his belief that his ban stemmed from a 2016 match he played in Iran alongside other La Liga legends. 

The State Department does issue visa waivers through its ESTA program, which does not permit travel to the US to anyone who has travelled to Iran since March 1, 2011. Anyone who has travelled to Iran since then ‘must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States.’

After arriving at the MetLife Stadium, Capdevila shared a jubilant post telling his fans: ‘NEVER GIVE UP IF YOU WANT SOMETHING, LET’S GO SPAIN! (Spanish flag emoji)’. 

Capdevila travelled with his children, who were able to watch Luis de la Fuente’s players make history with victory over Lionel Messi and Co. 

Spain were forced to toil against a negative Argentina team who registered just two shots over the full 120 minutes, with Ferran Torres eventually grabbing the winning goal in the second-half of extra time. 

Cucurella – who inked a £60million move from Chelsea to Real Madrid on the eve of the tournament – was one of the standout players during Spain’s campaign and admitted that he was looking forward to celebrating the historic win in some style. 

Ahead of Sunday’s final, Cucurella suggested that he might get his manager’s face tattooed on him if Spain were to raise the trophy. 

‘I don’t know (where I will get it tattooed),’ he replied when asked about the idea after the final whistle. ‘I haven’t decided yet. 

‘I need to think about it, I need to think about where to get it. People will ask me about it too, so it has to be somewhere visible.

‘But anyway, we’ve got a long journey ahead of us now. I hope people will give me some ideas. I’ll think it over and then it will be time to get it done.’

Cucurella was also embroiled in some late controversy after Lionel Messi appeared to attempt to get the left back sent off after Argentina went down to 10 men. 

As Enzo Fernandez, who received a second yellow card for a headless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, was making his way off the field, Cucurella appeared to touch his mouth as he spoke to Messi. 

Messi quickly alerted the referee and attempted to see Cucurella sanctioned under FIFA’s new rules which forbid players from covering their mouth during disputes. 

As Cucurella was quickly deemed not to be speaking in anger, Messi’s protests were soon waved away by both the referee and VAR.  

In a resurgence of advocacy, Joe Kent, who previously led the National Counterterrorism Center, is pressing for the United States to pull its forces out of the Middle East. This call comes as tensions continue to mount due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

“Withdraw our troops immediately to prevent a mass casualty incident. We must break out of this cycle of escalation,” Kent urged on Sunday via social media platform X. “President Trump still commands the political authority to declare this a victory, a narrative that risks unraveling with further losses. The moment for an exit is now, without delay.”

In response to these developments, News Media sought a statement from the White House on Monday.

Kent made his remarks while amplifying a communication from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media.

“Yesterday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the passing of two U.S. service members and the missing status of one in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17. After a thorough search, U.S. military personnel found unidentified remains at the location earlier today. An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing,” CENTCOM noted in part of a statement on Sunday.

“Separately, a U.S. service member in northern Iraq was killed in action July 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. A second service member was wounded and continues to receive medical treatment for a minor injury,” the statement noted.

Kent quit the counterterrorism government post earlier this year, citing his opposition to the Iran war.

In part of his resignation letter he asserted, “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

In a portion of a Saturday post on X he wrote, “We restore order by ending the conflict on our terms: deprive Iran of military targets to strike by removing our troops, bases, & naval forces from the area. Our bases in the region are liabilities & relics of the past—abandoning them is not retreat, it’s strategic adaptation to modern warfare. This move removes Iran’s primary justification for disrupting shipping in the SOH and for attacking its neighbors. We can then offer the carrot: sanctions relief in exchange for freedom of navigation in the SOH.”

A seasoned New York hospitality expert’s ambitious venture — backed by a hefty $7 million investment — came dangerously close to collapsing alongside the health woes of Hulk Hogan.

However, sources reveal to Page Six that the legacy of the late wrestling icon is being championed by none other than his son, Nick Hogan, ensuring that his father’s ultimate vision reaches fans around the world.

Rich Rosen, a stalwart of New York’s vibrant nightlife scene, shared with Page Six in June 2025 his exuberant disbelief when Hulk Hogan decided to join forces with him for their project, Slam: a sprawling, three-story sports bar strategically located right across from Madison Square Garden. This iconic venue is synonymous with Hogan’s storied wrestling career and his rise to fame.

In our earlier report, we disclosed how Rosen seized an opportunity by attending an autograph signing event, where he bravely pitched his grand idea directly to the wrestling superstar.

“I essentially waited five hours in line just to get a brief moment with Hulk Hogan,” Rosen recalled to us. “I brought along an 8-by-11 glossy photo of Madison Square Garden, and our [storefront] was right there in the picture.” He recounted telling Hogan decisively, “This is my [storefront], that’s the Garden, and you are my new partner.”

But just as the multimillion-dollar launch was getting ready to rumble, tragedy struck: Hogan died of a heart attack that July at 71. Fans and investors were left wondering whether Slam would ever make it out of its corner for Round 1.

“When I got the news, I was devastated,” Rosen told Page Six a year later.

But Slam wasn’t ready to tap out.

Nick has stepped up to fulfill his father’s vision. “It wasn’t even a question,” Hulk’s kid told Page Six this week. “This was always happening. If anything, it has a greater purpose now than ever.”

After Hogan’s passing, Rosen appointed Nick vice president of American Sports Bar Entertainment, making him the public face of the brand.

A weeklong grand opening is planned for later this year, with Rosen and Nick promising a celebration worthy of the WWE legend.

In a dramatic display of global camaraderie, former President Donald Trump arrived at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday to witness the nail-biting World Cup Final match between Spain and Argentina.

Accompanied by a tight-knit entourage of family and advisors, including First Lady Melania Trump, he was seen enjoying the game from a VIP box alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Noteworthy figures weren’t in short supply at the event, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also gracing the grand occasion. The trio of nations, including the United States, served as co-hosts for this prestigious tournament. Adding to the diplomatic affair, the Prime Minister of Spain was expected to join the audience for the much-anticipated showdown.

Sharing his insights on the anticipated results, Trump expressed his admiration for Argentina’s stalwart captain, Lionel Messi, in an earlier conversation with Fox News’ Jenny Taft on the FIFA Red Carpet. “It’s hard to bet against Messi,” he said, nodding to the 39-year-old soccer icon.

Trump elaborated, reflecting on a highlight moment: “I would say that it’s hard to bet against Messi. I watched that pass – I guess you’d call it a pass. It was exactly perfect. Although it takes some talent to hit the ball off the head coming at that speed, but that was perfect. If you had a strike zone, it was exactly where it had to be,” he enthused, highlighting Messi’s precision and skill.

‘And I watched also, just before that, the way he got away from the defender. He was very well defended. All of a sudden, he’s standing by himself, and he kicked it perfectly. And it’s hard to bet against him. I think it’s very hard to bet against Messi. He’s great,’ Trump added.

Trump also told Fox Sports that he has a close friendship with Argentina’s president, Javier Milei.

Marine One, the presidential helicopter, flew over the stadium shortly before kickoff. 

Fox News also reported that President Donald Trump is expected to present the World Cup Trophy.

President Trump’s son Eric Trump, his wife Lara, and their children were snapped taking in the game.

Eric’s sisters Tiffany and Ivanka attended as well, as did his brother-in-law, Tiffany’s husband Michael Boulos.

A number of members of Trump’s Cabinet, including Markwayne Mullin, Marco Rubio, Sean Duffy, and Howard Lutick, were also spotted in the president’s box.

Trump is not the first president to attend a World Cup Final match. In 1999, former Democratic President Bill Clinton attended the Women’s World Cup final in Pasadena, California, to watch the US team win the title. He also attended the 1994 opening ceremony of the Men’s World Cup.

In 2014, Joe Biden attended a Men’s World Cup match while he was Vice President. 

As the build-up to the game, expected to be watched by billions around the world, ramped up, fans waited over four hours for their tickets to be scanned to enter the stadium for the showpiece game.

The attendance of several world leaders meant that airport-style security measures were also being enforced for everyone entering the venue.