WASHINGTON — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that American naval forces could escort Carnival Cruise ships through the Strait of Hormuz, telling travelers that the ongoing war with Iran should not force them to abandon vacation plans.

“No one will have to cancel their vacation,” Hegseth said during remarks at the Pentagon, describing the potential escort program as a reassurance measure for civilians and commercial operators concerned about security in the Persian Gulf.

Washington — Newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullen announced Wednesday a federal plan to temporarily relocate select Iranian-American residents from the Los Angeles area to secure facilities in California’s Central Valley. Mullen described the move as “a necessary precaution for the safety and stability of affected communities” amid elevated tensions with Iran.

LOS ANGELES — With the highly anticipated showdown between women’s MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano fast approaching, a surprise voice has entered the conversation—and she’s making bold claims.

Veteran combat sports trainer Erika Kirk revealed yesterday that she has been secretly training Rousey for months, predicting the former champion will “dominate” Carano when the two legends meet in May.

WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Monday that the possibility of reinstating a U.S. military draft remains “on the table” as the United States continues military operations against Iran, while also outlining a controversial proposal that would allow drafted individuals to indefinitely defer service by paying a $1 million fee.

Mar-a-Lago - President Donald Trump said that Iran could "end the war tomorrow" if it agreed to pay $500 billion to the United States, a statement that quickly drew both interest and criticism from across the political spectrum.

Speaking to reporters, Trump framed the proposal as part of a broader argument that the United States should be compensated for what he described as “years of American strength and protection in the Middle East” in addition to the costs of the current war.

Washington. — Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on Thursday welcomed the nomination of Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullen to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

In a statement issued shortly after the announcement, Warren said she was encouraged by what she described as a shared cultural background with the nominee.

Washington - President Donald Trump threatened Tuesday to “cut off all ties” with Congress if lawmakers move forward on a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting his authority to initiate military action without prior approval.