US President Donald Trump has said the war with Iran could come to an end soon, while maintaining that Washington will not accept anything short of a total victory.
Trump made the remarks on Wednesday during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, attended by First Lady Melania Trump.
The president said American forces had fought back against Iran and claimed the United States had won the conflict so far. However, he stressed that the administration wanted to ensure all its military objectives were achieved before bringing the war to an end.
“Just a question of when we want to end it. We want to make sure we have a total victory, not a 93% victory. It’s going to be total,” Trump said.
He also claimed that the US military campaign had inflicted extensive damage on Iran, which would take decades to repair.
“It’ll take them 25 years to rebuild back what we have destroyed, and hopefully we won’t have to destroy any more of that country,” he said.
Trump Pays Tribute to 18 US Personnel Killed in Operation Epic Fury
During his address, Trump acknowledged the American military personnel who died during the conflict, revealing that 18 US service members had been killed in the campaign.
“We lost 18 beautiful souls,” he said.
The president expressed appreciation for the troops involved in the military operation, saying their efforts were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He also described Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Trump said he expected the conflict to end soon and claimed that its conclusion would leave the world safer, more peaceful and better.
Hegseth Receives Strong Applause at Arlington Ceremony
Trump also publicly praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the Veterans Day event, introducing him to the veterans and military personnel gathered at the cemetery.
When Trump announced Hegseth’s presence, the audience responded with loud applause.
“I had a feeling that was going to happen,” the president said.
He described the defence secretary as someone who had performed well in his role and remained committed to protecting American service members.
“He’s done a fantastic job, but he loves you, and he protects you. He’s all about you,” Trump added.
House Blocks Impeachment Effort Against Defence Secretary
The show of support for Hegseth came less than a day after the Republican-controlled House of Representatives blocked an attempt by Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie to advance eight articles of impeachment against the defence secretary.
The accusations covered several military operations carried out under the administration, including the campaign against Iran, strikes in Yemen, attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The impeachment effort also included allegations concerning Hegseth’s response to Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.
The House vote was procedural and prevented the impeachment process from moving forward. It did not amount to a ruling on the substance of the allegations.
Hegseth Rejects Impeachment Allegations
Hegseth responded to the impeachment effort during a Pentagon news conference on Tuesday, describing it as a “political spectacle” and a “farce”.
He also defended the administration’s military operations and said he stood behind the decisions taken.
“I was proud to execute them, and I would do it again tomorrow,” Hegseth said.
Trump has repeatedly defended the defence secretary against calls for his removal, praising his leadership during the administration’s military campaigns.
Wednesday’s reception at Arlington provided a public display of support for Hegseth following the congressional attempt to challenge his position.
Trump and First Lady Attend Veterans Day Commemoration
The ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery marked Veterans Day, with Trump and Melania participating in the traditional wreath-laying event before the president delivered his address.
Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials also attended the commemoration.
Trump used the occasion to recognise American military personnel, discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and reaffirm his administration’s position that the war would end only after the United States had secured what he described as total victory.
