[뉴스특보] 美, 호르무즈 인근 시설·드론 타격…협상 안갯속 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Guests: Ma Young-sam, Former Ambassador to Israel; Min Jeong-hoon, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy] As peace talks between the U.S. and Iran face last-minute difficulties, tensions regarding armed conflict are escalating following the sound of another explosion occurring just three days after the last one in an Iranian port city near the Strait of Hormuz. Reports have emerged in Iran suggesting that President Trump may unilaterally announce the "conclusion of an agreement" to pressure the country. We will discuss these related issues with Ma Young-sam, former Ambassador to Israel, and Min Jeong-hoon, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. [Question 1] It has been three months since the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran began on February 28. While it appears the peace talks are nearing their conclusion, there have been reports of another explosion in southern Iran. How do you both view the current situation? [Question 1-1] President Trump held a cabinet meeting and mentioned the possibility of resuming military operations, stating that negotiations so far have not been satisfactory. It is reported that another explosion occurred in a southern Iranian port city just three days after the last one. Three days ago, it was stated that the airstrike was conducted in self-defense. Given that there were three more explosions today, should we view this as a resumption of U.S. military operations? [Question 2] There is an analysis suggesting that the attack on the southern Iranian city was intended to appease hardliners within the U.S. who are opposed to the negotiations. What is your view on this? [Question 2-1] The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed that military pressure from the U.S. and Israel has failed and warned that they could respond more forcefully if there are further attacks. They also claimed that the scale of missile production has actually expanded. How do you expect Iran to respond to these additional U.S. airstrikes? [Question 3] President Trump stated that we would reach an agreement we are satisfied with, saying that either we would reach it or we would simply wrap things up. However, reports have emerged from the Iranian side suggesting that there is a possibility President Trump might unilaterally announce the "conclusion of an agreement" to pressure Iran. Given the current situation, what do you think is the likelihood that President Trump will actually unilaterally declare a peace agreement? [Question 4] President Trump has indicated a negative stance on the transfer of Iran's highly enriched uranium to Russia or China. If it is not Russia or China, which country did President Trump have in mind when discussing a transfer to a third country? [Question 4-1] He stated that they are not discussing the lifting of frozen assets, which Iran is demanding. From Iran's perspective, the lifting of frozen assets seems to be the most urgent requirement for peace negotiations; is it possible to reach a peace agreement without lifting these assets? [Question 5] President Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and cannot be controlled by anyone. This statement contradicts reports from Iranian state media that the draft of the U.S.-Iran negotiations includes provisions for Iran and Oman to jointly maintain management authority over the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz also seems to be a core issue that Iran cannot afford to let go of; is there a lack of agreement on this part as well? [Question 6] According to an unofficial draft of the MOU between the U.S. and Iran obtained by Iranian state television, it reportedly includes provisions to withdraw U.S. troops stationed around Iran and lift the naval blockade. The White House is currently denying this report, claiming it is fabricated. It seems the peace negotiations will not be easily concluded; what is the truth? [Question 6-1] President Trump is pressuring Gulf states to join the Abraham Accords. In this context, reports that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shouted "NO" 100 times are becoming a hot topic. Although it is said that this is not a prerequisite for a final agreement with Iran, will Middle Eastern nations participate in the Abraham Accords? [Question 7] The results of the investigation into the Namu incident, in which the ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, have been released. The government stated that the projectile that attacked the Namu was highly likely to be an anti-ship missile developed in Iran. While intentionality cannot be confirmed, given that Iranian-made markings were found, it seems difficult to avoid the conclusion that it is of Iranian origin. [Question 7-1] Immediately after the investigation results were announced, the South Korean government summoned the Iranian Ambassador to South Korea to lodge a protest, but the Iranian side is denying any connection. What measures can our government take going forward? ▣ Subscribe to 'Docu-Digging,...