Declaring 'End-of-War Agreement' on Birthday and Attending UFC: Why the Rush?

[Anchor]

We now connect to Washington to gauge the atmosphere in the United States.

Correspondent Lee Hanseok, how is the U.S. political circle evaluating the end-of-war agreement?

[Reporter]

The ruling Republican Party is welcoming the declaration of the end of the war while maintaining a cautious stance.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close aide to President Trump, pointed out that a nuclear deal with Iran must undergo a congressional vote.

While a memorandum of understanding does not require congressional ratification, a nuclear deal does. This can be interpreted as pressure, suggesting that if it is not handled properly, Congress could oppose it.

Even within the ruling party, there is underlying dissatisfaction, questioning why the war was started in the first place if the nuclear negotiations were just going to be postponed.

The opposition Democratic Party is fiercely criticizing the agreement, calling the document a "surrender" and asking how an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—which was already open before the war—can be considered a victory.

Former President Barack Obama, in an interview with ABC, expressed doubt about whether there would be any distinct differences compared to the nuclear deal he had brokered.

[Anchor]

President Trump announced the conclusion of the negotiations on his birthday and then went to watch a UFC match, didn't he?

[Reporter]

Yes, he announced the deal only via social media and then headed to the UFC venue in front of the White House.

The official purpose was to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, but since it was held on the night of Trump's 80th birthday, there is criticism that it was a self-celebratory event.

Twelve fighter jets performed a formation flight overhead, and dazzling lights illuminated the stadium.

It was reminiscent of an emperor watching gladiator matches at the Colosseum during the Roman Empire.

Interpretations suggest that he wanted to declare victory by ending the war with Iran on his birthday and imprint a strong image of himself.

While the 4,500 seats were packed with enthusiastic supporters, protests against Trump were held outside the stadium.

[Anchor]

Key issues like the nuclear problem have not yet been resolved. Is there a reason Trump rushed the negotiations like this?

[Reporter]

It seems we must view it through the lens of the economic time bomb known as inflation.

As the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz dragged on, soaring oil prices pushed up the cost of daily necessities as well.

With inflation unchecked, the prevailing forecast was that the U.S. Federal Reserve would raise interest rates, which could deal a direct blow to the U.S. stock market and real estate.

Furthermore, the midterm elections are fast approaching in about four months.

There is a deep sense of crisis that if the Democratic Party takes the majority in both the House and the Senate, he could become a "lame duck" president for the remainder of his term.

It appears that an economic rebound to turn the tide was desperate for Trump, even if it meant enduring criticism over a weak end-of-war agreement.

(Field Producer: Park Eun-ha | Video Editing: Chae Chul-ho)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.