Trump Defends Iran War at Veterans Day Ceremony as Hegseth Faces Public Reprimand

US President Donald Trump defended the ongoing war against Iran on Wednesday during a Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was also publicly reprimanded by an army sentinel for a breach of decorum.

Praising US troops during his address, Trump said the courage and capabilities of American service members had been “absolutely incredible”.

He expressed confidence that the conflict would end soon, claiming it would leave the world safer, more peaceful and free from the threats the United States had faced.

The war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has reportedly claimed the lives of 23 American service members and left several hundred others wounded, according to the latest Pentagon figures.

Trump argued that Washington did not initiate the conflict, blaming Tehran for what he described as decades of hostility against the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He said American military operations were aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The 80-year-old president attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a revered memorial honouring unidentified American service members who died in military service.

During his speech, Trump praised Hegseth, who was present at the ceremony, saying the defence secretary had “done a fantastic job”.

The endorsement came amid mounting political controversy surrounding Hegseth. On Tuesday, Republicans in the US House of Representatives blocked an attempt by an outgoing Republican lawmaker to impeach him over allegations that he had waged war without congressional authorisation and abused his authority as Pentagon chief.

Hegseth also found himself at the centre of an awkward moment during the Arlington 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 reportedly laughed while posing for a photograph near the memorial.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the sentinel announced, stopping his patrol and turning towards the group as they walked up the stairs to leave. Hegseth turned around to look at the guard.

Trump also used his address to highlight his proposed 250-foot (76-metre) triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, saying the structure would be dedicated “soon”.

However, the ambitious project faces growing legal opposition. On Tuesday, the family of former President John F. Kennedy asked a court to block its construction, arguing that the massive structure would obstruct views and cast shadows over the graves of Kennedy and other members of his family buried at Arlington.

The proposal is also facing separate legal challenges from a veterans’ group, the city of Washington and the state of Virginia.