Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by announcing a peace agreement with Iran and hosting a mixed martial arts event at the White House. The agreement with Tehran was revealed just before the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event began in Washington DC despite storm alerts. Following the event, Trump was set to join G7 leaders in France, where the Iranian settlement was anticipated to be a focal point.
Prior to the cage-fighting event commemorating America’s 250th independence anniversary, Trump and UFC’s Dana White walked from the Oval Office to the White House balcony to witness “The Claw” structure on the South Lawn. The atmosphere was heightened by the national anthem and roaring fighter jets, eliciting patriotic chants from the crowd.
Trump took his seat near the octagon cage for seven scheduled bouts, with notable attendees like British boxer Tyson Fury sporting a “Donald Trump for prime minister” hat. VIP guests, including Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, FBI director Kash Patel, and others, were also present ringside.
While thousands watched the fights on a big screen near the White House, fighters warming up amidst the formal White House setting created unusual scenes. Despite the UFC reportedly covering the $60 million event costs, several government agencies provided significant resources for security and logistics.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, present at the UFC event, expressed reservations about the Iran deal’s details, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Trump for the historic peace deal, emphasizing enhanced global safety.
As the agreement was confirmed, Trump emphasized reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz for mine removal, addressing disruptions in global oil supplies. Plans for defensive operations post-settlement were discussed by Britain and France, focusing on mine-hunting technology to secure shipping routes in the region.
The deal, while addressing the stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, left concerns about Iran’s nuclear program unresolved. US Vice President JD Vance hinted at Trump’s possible presence at the signing ceremony, pending logistical arrangements.