[투나잇이슈] 트럼프 "우리가 이겼다" 선언…이란, 장기전 예고 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Featured by: Cho Han-beom, Distinguished Research Fellow, Korea Institute for National Unification, and Baek Seung-hoon, Senior Research Fellow, Middle East Institute, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies] US President Donald Trump unilaterally declared, "We have won" the Iran War. However, he also indicated his intention to continue military operations, saying, "We must complete the mission." In contrast, Iran is predicting a protracted war, asserting that even if President Trump unilaterally declares victory, the conflict cannot end. Related Content: Cho Han-beom, Distinguished Research Fellow, Korea Institute for National Unification, and Baek Seung-hoon, Senior Research Fellow, Middle East Institute, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Let's talk with these two individuals. [Question 1] President Trump claimed, "We have won" the Iran War. However, he also indicated his intention to continue military operations, saying, "We must complete the mission." How should we interpret these confusing statements and intentions of Trump? [Question 2] On the other hand, Iran's position is completely different. They assert that even if President Trump unilaterally declares victory, the conflict cannot end. Iran has also set conditions: compensation and a guarantee against further invasion. Since the US seems unlikely to accept them, does a ceasefire or end to the war seem far off? [Question 3] Even if the Trump administration unilaterally declares victory, there are concerns that Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue, effectively prolonging the war. Furthermore, foreign media outlets have reported that Israel does not want a quick end to the war. Public support for the war is said to be high within Israel. [Question 4] Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had conducted a joint operation with the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, striking over 50 targets across Israel. Israel then launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure throughout Lebanon, including southern Beirut. Concerns are growing that the war will be prolonged, with airstrikes and retaliation. [Question 5] Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had attacked ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He also emphasized, "All ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iranian permission." Do you think securing control of the Strait of Hormuz will determine the outcome of this war? [Question 6] Foreign media have also reported that Iran attacked two foreign oil tankers anchored in Iraqi territorial waters. Why do you think the Iranian military, which has previously focused on attacking foreign merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, is now engaging in indiscriminate "maritime terrorism" targeting the entire Persian Gulf? [Question 7] The Strait of Hormuz is a key chokepoint through which 20% of the world's crude oil passes, leading to persistent volatility in international oil prices. Furthermore, Iran appears to be focusing its attacks on oil fields and oil storage facilities in the Gulf region. Is there any speculation that Iran will continue its military operations, using international oil prices as a "hostage"? [Question 8] It has been confirmed that six launch vehicles, believed to have transported US THAAD interceptor missiles from Seongju Air Base to Osan Air Base, have not yet returned to Seongju Air Base. There is speculation that they are on standby at the US military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, in case the Iranian war is prolonged. ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV's documentary channel 'Docu-Digging'    / @docu-digging   ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV's YouTube channel    / @yonhapnewstv23   ▣ Yonhap News TV, the starting point for Korean news http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/