Did Trump defend Iran war and link it to 9/11 at Pentagon memorial? Here's what the US President said

US President Donald Trump received mixed reactions for staying back in Washington. He attended the Pentagon memorial with First Lady Melania Trump.

People across the US are paying their tribute to the victims and affected families of the 9/11 terror attacks on the 25th anniversary. However, President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth seemingly made remarks at the Pentagon memorial ceremony to defend the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, which was launched more than six months ago, with no sign of an end.

What did Donald Trump say on 9/11 attacks

“We salute every member of the United States military who served in the ‘war on terror’,” Trump said at the Pentagon, as quoted by The Guardian.

The Pentagon was struck by a hijacked aeroplane, killing 64 people onboard and 125 in the building.

Quick answers to key questions

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During the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon, Trump stated that service members are fighting to ensure that Iran, labeled the world's top sponsor of terror, never acquires a nuclear weapon.

Trump attempted to link the ongoing war with Iran to the 9/11 attacks by stating that they fight today in remembrance of the victims and to secure victory against threats like Iran.

Hegseth described the Iran war as part of a broader struggle against an 'Islamic theocracy' and stated that the US is committed to ensuring Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon.

Trump's speech was patriotic and defiant, emphasizing remembrance of the victims while asserting the necessity of combatting terrorism through military action.

Trump's decision to remain in Washington for the memorial has drawn mixed reactions, contrasting with Vice-President JD Vance attending the Ground Zero memorial in New York.

"And we salute the service members working right now to ensure the world’s number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran, will never ever have a nuclear weapon," Trump added, as per the report.

The US President's decision to stay back in Washington has received mixed reactions. On the other hand, Vice‑President JD Vance attended the Ground Zero memorial in New York, which is the World Trade Center destruction site.

Trump's controversial statement connecting 9/11 and Iran war

In his closing statement, Trump seemingly tried to connect his war on Iran and the 9/11 attacks.

“Today we renew the sacred oath that we first swore in their names a quarter of a century ago. We will never, ever forget,” he said, as per The Guardian. “That’s why we fight today. We don’t have a choice. There can only be victory. We fight hard. We fight to win," he reportedly added.

Hegseth on Iran, ‘Islamic terrorists abroad’

Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, in his speech on the somber day, said that the Iran war was part of the fight against an “Islamic theocracy that has wished us death for nearly half a century”. He also stated that Iran’s defenses “are gone”, as per the same report.

“We’re still sending terrorists where they belong – to hell,” Hegseth mentioned, as quoted by The Guardian, and added, “And tankers to the bottom of the ocean where they belong, and we are ensuring that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. The economic pressure tightens every day.”

Hegseth also reportedly said, “The struggle against evil continued, and it continues now. It will continue until judgment day. Our only answer here on Earth is eternal vigilance.”

He further claimed the threat has extended into borders. He warned that “enemies plot to curb our power and kill our citizens, including from Islamic terrorists abroad and at home”.

Hegseth praised Trump for dismantling Iran’s military capabilities. He concluded by summoning “strong, brave warriors who will say when it matters most, ‘send me’”.

About the Author

Sneha Biswas specialises in covering entertainment and pop culture, with a specialisation on Bollywood, Hollywood, OTT platforms, K-pop, K-dramas, and major developments in the US entertainment industry. She believes in telling stories that balance speed with substance, and in making entertainment journalism contextual, culturally aware, and reader-first rather than purely reactive.<br><br> With over six years of experience in digital media, Sneha currently serves as a Deputy Chief Content Producer at Live Mint. She has spent more than three and a half years with the HT Group and returned to the organisation in February 2025, joining Live Mint to uplift the entertainment section. Over the past year, she has been closely involved in entertainment coverage including breaking news, explainers, trend reporting, box office reports and analysis for the audience.<br><br> Sneha is Google News certified, having completed training focused on newsroom best practices, digital reporting, and SEO-driven content strategies. Her work reflects a strong understanding of audience behaviour, search trends, and the evolving consumption patterns of entertainment news across formats.<br><br> Prior to her current role, Sneha has worked across multiple content and editorial functions within digital newsrooms, building expertise in content planning, editing, and real-time coverage. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of entertainment, internet culture, and global pop trends.<br><br> Working for the National city team, Biswas closely follows global entertainment movements while maintaining a strong pulse on what is happening in India.

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