Steve Forbes has publicly called for the United States to escalate its efforts to destabilize the current government in Tehran, asserting that unrestricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz must remain a core, non-negotiable objective for American policy.
Upholding Maritime Freedom
Forbes highlighted a long-standing principle of U.S. foreign policy: the freedom of the seas, a doctrine he traces back to Thomas Jefferson. He noted that safeguarding navigation rights was even a catalyst for the War of 1812 against Great Britain.
"Going back to Thomas Jefferson, a core foreign policy plank of the United States is freedom of the seas. Freedom of navigation got us into another war with Great Britain, the War of 1812," Forbes stated. "So we've been doing it for over two centuries. The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, just as the South China Sea is an international waterway. And so we must keep that open."
He stressed that these vital maritime routes must remain open without any fees or restrictions, allowing all commercial vessels unimpeded passage.
"No tolls, no restrictions, all ships of commerce should have free passage through it unmolested."
Challenging the Iranian Regime
Forbes suggested that while strategic air power could potentially minimize the need for ground forces, a direct military engagement should not be entirely dismissed. He drew a parallel to the confrontation with the Barbary pirates, an action that secured freedom of navigation in the Mediterranean after the First Barbary War concluded in 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."
Forbes expressed confidence in the combined military capabilities of the U.S. and Israel to dismantle the current Iranian administration. He argued this approach would empower elements within the Iranian military seeking change, assuring them that the U.S. would not abandon its commitment with insincere ceasefires but would persistently challenge the regime.
"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."
Maintaining Global Liberty
Ultimately, Forbes characterized freedom of navigation as an international red line. He emphasized that failing to uphold fundamental principles like freedom of navigation and liberty inevitably leads to their erosion.
"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 indicated that the time for diplomatic engagement with Tehran had passed, advocating for the Trump administration to intensify pressure on Iran. He also commended a recent policy decision regarding Ukraine.
"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."
