[뉴스초점] 중동 전운 다시 최고조…미국, 이란 해상 재봉쇄 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Guests: Cho Han-beom, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification; Kim Jae-cheon, Professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, Sogang University] President Trump announced that he will resume the counter-blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz starting at 5 a.m. tomorrow and will collect tolls. This marks a reversal of the U.S.'s previous stance. Attention is focused on what he will say in his address to the nation on the upcoming 16th. U.S. media outlets have reported that President Trump has submitted a written report to Congress regarding the resumption of U.S. military attacks on Iran. We will discuss these related matters with Cho Han-beom, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, and Kim Jae-cheon, Professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, Sogang University. [Question 1] Along with the renewed blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump stated that he would collect 20% of the cargo loaded on ships as a toll in exchange for guaranteeing the safety of civilian vessels passing through the strait. What is President Trump's intention in controlling Hormuz while collecting money? *Guests:* [Question 1-1] I understand the renewed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz against Iran, but the announcement to collect tolls contradicts the Trump administration's long-standing stance that no country should charge tolls or fees in international waterways. What is the intention behind this sudden move to collect tolls in exchange for guaranteeing the safety of civilian vessels? [Question 2] In an interview with a radio channel, President Trump stated that the MOU to end the war with Iran was created to test them, adding that he would "hit hard" Iran tonight and tomorrow. Should this be viewed as a warning to Iran, where fighting has resumed during a ceasefire, or as a resumption of war? [Question 3] The U.S. military has been attacking the Strait of Hormuz for three consecutive days. They also deployed maritime drones in attacks against Iran for the first time. It was stated that these airstrikes have weakened Iran's ability to attack merchant vessels. If U.S. attacks in the Strait of Hormuz continue, to what extent is Iran capable of holding out? [Question 3-1] From Iran's perspective, control of the Strait of Hormuz appears to be more important than nuclear negotiations at this moment. At this juncture, is control of Hormuz the key to resolving the Middle East crisis? [Question 4] With the lifting of the naval blockade—a core condition of the previous MOU—now nullified, a national address has been announced for 9 p.m. Eastern Time on the 16th. Although the specific topic of the address has not been mentioned, it is highly likely that the Trump administration's response to Iran will be the main focus. What do you expect to be included in the speech? [Question 5] International oil prices have surged by nearly 10% following the US reimposition of a blockade on Iran. Furthermore, Ukraine's attack on a major Russian oil refinery has acted as a factor causing supply instability. With the US currently destabilizing international oil prices through two wars, what are Trump's thoughts ahead of the November midterm elections? ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV's documentary channel 'Docu-Digging'    / @docu-digging   ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV YouTube Channel    / @yonhapnewstv23   ▣ The Beginning of Korean News, Yonhap News TV / Yonhap News TV http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/