During a U.S. Veterans Day observance on Wednesday, President Donald Trump commended the military campaign against Iran, even as his defence secretary faced public criticism over a perceived lack of decorum.
“The bravery and skill of our amazing American warriors has absolutely been incredible,” Trump said in an address at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington.
“When this conflict is over, and it will be soon, the entire world will be a much safer and better place, more peaceful place, and a place without the kind of danger that we had to suffer.”
According to the latest figures from the Pentagon, the conflict—which began on February 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran—has resulted in the deaths of 23 American service members and left hundreds more wounded.
In his address, Trump asserted that Tehran, which he said “has been waging war on America since 1979,” was responsible for instigating the hostilities rather than Washington.
He further underscored that American military forces were operating to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The 80-year-old president attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn monument honoring America’s fallen military personnel.
Addressing an audience of active-duty troops, veterans, and senior administration officials, Trump acknowledged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—who was in attendance—remarking that he had “done a wonderful job.”
Backstory…
His remarks come as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain uncertain, with Iran refusing to abandon its demands for a settlement.
Tehran has insisted that Washington must accept its seven conditions before negotiations can proceed, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the demands as unacceptable.
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives blocked a bid on Tuesday to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over allegations that he waged war without congressional authorization and abused his authority as head of the Pentagon.
The impeachment effort had been initiated by an outgoing Republican lawmaker.
Read Also: US Lawmakers Block Impeachment Effort Against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
