Trump defends Iran war in Veterans Day address

President Donald Trump defended the war against Iran at a US Veterans Day commemoration in Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday. He praised the bravery and skill of American warriors and claimed the conflict has made the world a safer and more peaceful place. The war, initiated on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes against Iran, has resulted in 23 US service member deaths and several hundred wounded, according to Pentagon figures.

Trump asserted that the war was started by Iran, which has been waging war against America since 1979, and that US forces were acting to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

At the ceremony, Trump honored Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, praising him for doing a fantastic job. However, the event took an unexpected turn when an army sentinel reprimanded a group, including Hegseth and his aides, for laughing during a photo near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The sentinel reminded visitors to maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.

Following the ceremony, Trump mentioned his plans to build a 76-meter-tall triumphal arch near the cemetery, which has faced legal challenges from the family of John F. Kennedy, veterans, the city of Washington, and the state of Virginia.