Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by finalizing a peace agreement with Iran and hosting a mixed martial arts event at the White House. The agreement with Tehran was announced just before the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event began, despite storm warnings in Washington DC.
Following the UFC event, President Trump was set to travel to Evian, France, for a meeting with G7 leaders, where the Iranian settlement was expected to be a focal point. The event featured a cage-fighting spectacle to commemorate America’s 250th independence anniversary, with the President and UFC head Dana White walking to the White House balcony to witness the action.
Amidst fighter jet displays and patriotic chants, Mr. Trump took his seat ringside for the seven scheduled bouts. Notable figures in attendance included boxer Tyson Fury and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Despite UFC covering the costs, various government agencies allocated significant resources for the event, which faced legal challenges.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham voiced skepticism about the Iran deal, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Trump’s efforts in achieving a historic peace pact. The agreement aimed to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, addressing global oil disruptions caused by Iran’s actions.
Plans for a defensive operation post-settlement to protect shipping in the channel were discussed, with unresolved concerns about Iran’s nuclear program remaining. Vice President JD Vance hinted at Trump’s potential presence at the signing ceremony, pending logistical arrangements.
