Key facts
- President Donald Trump announced a preliminary deal to end the war in Iran on his 80th birthday.
- The deal includes lifting the US blockade on Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- The announcement was made during a UFC fight night event held on the White House South Lawn.
- An Israeli strike on Beirut was cited as a brief delay to the Iran deal.
- Key government officials and Republican leaders attended the UFC event.
- Crucial details of the Iran deal still require negotiation in the coming weeks.
President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by announcing a preliminary agreement to end the war in Iran and hosting a UFC fight night event on the White House South Lawn. Trump stated that the US would lift its blockade on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz would reopen, though crucial details are yet to be negotiated.
The announcement came amid renewed Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, which Trump criticized, calling for de-escalation and noting the strikes could have briefly delayed the Iran deal. Despite the geopolitical tensions, the event proceeded with a large temporary arena set up on the South Lawn, featuring multiple UFC fights.
High-ranking government officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, attended the event. Polish President Karol Nawrocki was also present. UFC President Dana White, a close friend of Trump, promoted the spectacle, which included fighters walking from the Oval Office to the octagon.
During the event, fighter Josh Hokit thanked Trump and made a controversial statement about Michelle Obama. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was seen speaking with Trump. Several fighters, including Bo Nickal, thanked President Trump after their victories, with Nickal calling him a "special person."