Trump's Hardline Move to "Resume Military Action" Casts Shadow Over Global Economy

[Anchor]

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating once again following President Trump's remarks. Let's connect to Washington for more details.

Correspondent Lee Hanseok, has President Trump officially notified Congress that he will resume military action against Iran?

[Reporter]

Yes. On the 13th (local time), President Trump officially sent a letter to Congress stating that he had resumed military action against Iran starting on the 7th.

Under the War Powers Act enacted in 1973, the U.S. President is required to notify Congress within 48 hours after initiating military action.

In the letter, Trump explained that the U.S. launched the attacks because Iran had first violated the agreement to ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz by attacking three vessels.

He stated that the targets included Iran's missile bases, air defense systems, and naval assets, and that no ground troops were deployed.

He also hinted at further airstrikes, saying he is prepared to take additional measures if necessary.

[Anchor]

With the midterm elections approaching in November, the political burden must be significant. What is the background behind President Trump taking such a hardline stance?

[Reporter]

The U.S. had hoped to firmly control Iran after dramatically signing a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict in mid-June. However, Iran has not engaged in negotiations on key issues, such as its nuclear program, and in the meantime, it has been moving to establish control over the Strait of Hormuz by attacking foreign vessels.

Trump likely felt the sting of domestic criticism that the agreement was a failure.

It appears he decided that rather than being dragged along by Iran in a flimsy state of truce, he would use the hardline card of military action before the election to reshape the situation to his liking.

In particular, there seems to be a calculation that by resuming a maritime blockade, he can choke off Iran's war funding, inflict economic damage, and force the Iranian hardliners—who have been gaining power since the funeral of Khamenei—to surrender and return to the negotiating table.

However, given that Iran is unlikely to back down easily, the U.S. could fall into a quagmire of a protracted war with no clear exit.

[Anchor]

Oil prices are also fluctuating significantly, aren't they?

[Reporter]

Yes, international oil prices have surged by nearly 10 percent, and the Nasdaq has fallen by 1.6 percent.

With the peak vacation season beginning this month, skyrocketing fuel prices are an Achilles' heel for the Trump administration.

President Trump is scheduled to deliver an address to the nation on the morning of the 17th (Korea Standard Time). If he fails to present convincing measures to address the oil price surge, as well as the reasons for resuming the war with Iran, he may find it difficult to withstand the backlash of public opinion within the United States.

(Field Producer: Oh Jung-sik, Video Editing: Jo Mu-hwan)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.