US President Donald Trump has defended the ongoing war against Iran, saying the conflict will ultimately make the world “safer” and more peaceful, as the Pentagon says 23 US service members have been killed and hundreds wounded.
Trump made the remarks Wednesday during a Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside Washington, where he paid tribute to American service members.
“The bravery and skill of our amazing American warriors has absolutely been incredible,” Trump said during his address.
“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.”
Trump blames Iran for the conflict
The war began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
Trump rejected suggestions that Washington was responsible for starting the conflict, arguing that Iran had been “waging war on America since 1979.”
He said the US military operation was aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and stressed that American forces were acting to eliminate what his administration considers a major threat to national security.
Trump, 80, attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one of the most solemn memorials at Arlington National Cemetery.
Trump praises Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
During his Veterans Day remarks, Trump also praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who attended the ceremony.
Trump said Hegseth had “done a fantastic job” despite growing controversy surrounding his leadership of the Pentagon.
Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday blocked an effort by an outgoing Republican lawmaker to impeach Hegseth. The proposed impeachment effort accused him of waging war without congressional authorization and abusing his powers as defense secretary.
Hegseth reprimanded at Arlington ceremony
Hegseth was also involved in a separate controversy during the Veterans Day ceremony.
An Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded a small group that included Hegseth, his wife and several aides after some members of the group reportedly laughed while posing for a photograph near the sacred site.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the sentinel called out as the group walked up the stairs.
Hegseth turned around to look at the guard as the reprimand was delivered.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a highly revered site dedicated to unidentified American service members who died in military conflicts.
Trump’s proposed Arlington arch faces legal challenges
During his remarks, Trump also mentioned his plan to construct a 250-foot (76-metre) triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery.
Trump said the structure would be dedicated “soon.”
However, the proposed arch is facing legal opposition.
The family of former US President John F. Kennedy asked a court on Tuesday to block construction of the massive structure, arguing that it could obstruct views and cast shadows over the gravesites of Kennedy and other members of his family buried at Arlington.
The project is also facing lawsuits from a group of veterans, the city of Washington and the state of Virginia.
The legal challenges add another layer of controversy to Trump’s proposed Arlington project as the US continues to grapple with the human and political costs of the war against Iran.
