President Donald Trump defended the war in Iran during a Veterans Day address at Arlington National Cemetery, saying the conflict would end “soon.” Speaking to veterans and their families, he pointed to the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut and said Iran had been in conflict with the United States for decades.
“America did not start a war with Iran. Iran has been waging war on America since 1979,” Trump said. He argued that the U.S. had been right to fight back and said the goal should be a total victory, not a partial one.
Trump described the conflict as having lasted about seven months, though he said only a few weeks involved active fighting. He also acknowledged the American casualties, saying 18 people had been killed. He predicted that ending the conflict would make the world safer and more peaceful.
Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have not outlined plans to intensify military action since the midterm elections. Administration officials have instead emphasized economic pressure and diplomatic options.
“We don’t need to conduct military strikes if we’re achieving the same objective through economic means and economic pressure,” Rubio told reporters Tuesday.
Rubio also disputed the idea that the U.S. and Iran were at a stalemate. He said sanctions, a naval blockade and other measures were putting growing pressure on Tehran.
“They’re bleeding. They’re bleeding economically,” Rubio said.
