US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced at a September 11 memorial ceremony held at the Pentagon on Friday that the United States would bring its fight against Iran to an end. The ceremony honored the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001, attacks, as well as US military personnel and first responders.
Hegseth delivered his remarks alongside US President Donald Trump and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. Hegseth argued that the United States’ enemies were seeking to limit the country’s power and kill American citizens, and said Washington was prepared for these threats.
Hegseth’s accusations against Iran
Speaking about Iran, Hegseth claimed that the United States had inflicted serious damage on Iran’s military capabilities over the past six months. Hegseth alleged that the Iranian government had wanted the death of the United States for nearly half a century and had supported the September 11 attacks, accusing Tehran of backing attacks against Americans.
Hegseth said US forces had killed Iranian leaders, destroyed Iran’s air force and navy, and eliminated its air defense systems. He said US operations targeting armed groups and maritime shipping would continue, signaling that military pressure on Iran would persist.
The US defense secretary also said Washington was working to ensure that Iran would never possess nuclear weapons and had increased economic pressure on Tehran. Hegseth said the Strait of Hormuz was under US control and added, “We will end this fight.”
Trump’s message on troops and September 11
Donald Trump also honored US troops, first responders and law enforcement personnel who served in the “war on terror.” Trump said US troops were working to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump said the September 11 attacks demonstrated the destructive power of hatred, adding that the 25 years since the attacks had shown the American people’s ability to endure, prevail and win.
