Trump's Hardline Stance on Resuming 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, is it true that President Trump has officially notified Congress that he will resume military action against Iran?

[Reporter]

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

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, including by attacking three vessels.

He stated that the targets of the attacks 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, this must be a significant burden. What is the background behind President Trump taking such a hardline approach?

[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 regarding the core issue of its nuclear program, and in the meantime, it has been showing moves 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 judged that rather than being dragged along by Iran in a loose state of truce, he would rather reset the board according to his own terms through the hardline card of military action before the elections.

In particular, the calculation seems to be that by resuming a naval blockade, he can tighten the grip on 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, as there is little chance that Iran will back down easily, the U.S. could fall into a quagmire of a long-term war with no clear exit strategy.

[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, a sharp rise in oil prices is an Achilles' heel for the Trump administration.

President Trump is scheduled to deliver an address to the nation on the morning of July 17 (Korea Standard Time). If he fails to present convincing measures to address the skyrocketing oil prices, alongside the reasons for resuming the war with Iran, he may find it difficult to handle 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.