Trump expresses confidence in swift end to Iran war

'Hope we don't have to destroy more of that country'

Trump defends war's legitimacy: 'Iran started it in 1979'

Hegseth draws cheers after surviving impeachment threat

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US President Donald Trump [Getty Images]
US President Donald Trump [Getty Images]

Donald Trump said the war with Iran would end soon, vowing to secure a complete victory rather than a partial one — while leaving open the possibility of further military strikes against Tehran.

Speaking at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington on Wednesday (local time), Trump said, "The Iran war will be over soon." He added: "We want a complete victory, not a 93 percent victory. It will be a complete victory."

Trump said the United States launched operations against Iran seven months ago but that intense combat had lasted only a few weeks. "When the conflict is over, the world will be a much safer and more peaceful place," he said.

However, Trump kept the door open to further strikes. "It will take 25 years to rebuild what we have destroyed," he said. "Hopefully, we won't have to destroy any more of that country." The remarks signaled that military pressure could continue if Iran refused to accept US terms, even as Trump emphasized his desire to end the war.

Trump also rebuffed criticism that the United States bore responsibility for starting the conflict. "This is not a war that America started. Iran has been at war with America since 1979," he said. "This should have been settled long ago, but it took this administration for someone to finally stand up and fight."

Trump then introduced a survivor of the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, using the moment to underscore the justification for military action against Iran. That attack was carried out by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also drew attention at the ceremony after surviving a political crisis. When Trump introduced Hegseth, the crowd erupted in loud applause and cheers.

Hegseth had cleared a major hurdle on Wednesday when the House of Representatives failed to advance an impeachment motion against him. Trump praised his defense secretary, saying, "I had a feeling this would happen. He has done a fantastic job and he loves and protects you."

Trump also mentioned a triumphal arch he is pursuing near Arlington National Cemetery, saying it would soon be dedicated to veterans. The project faces legal challenges from opponents, but Trump reaffirmed his commitment to it. "Our great veterans and military have been waiting for this for 200 years," he said.


sjy@heraldcorp.com