President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Honor Military Service at 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered speeches at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, to honor military members who served in the War on Terror. During the ceremony, President Trump saluted the military, first responders, and law enforcement, while emphasizing the goal of ensuring the Islamic Republic of Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke regarding the ongoing war with Iran, which began in late February. He stated that U.S. forces have destroyed the Iranian air force and navy over the past six months. Hegseth also noted that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz and continues to apply economic pressure to finish the fight. In a separate context, President Trump remarked during a Republican Midterm Convention that if Iran possessed a nuclear weapon, he would call the Supreme Leader to ask what the United States could do for them, rather than bombing the country. He noted that the possession of a nuclear weapon would make the country's leaders more likely to be treated with respect and favor.
Sources
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This Trump Speech Sent a Dangerous Message to Iran‍—and the Rest of the World
Slate
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Trump uses 9/11 memorial speech to justify Iran war as families commemorate victims of attack – live
The Guardian
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'Number one sponsor of terror.' At 9/11 memorial, Trump defends Iran war
USA Today