Donald Trump defends military action against Iran during Veterans Day address

Donald Trump has defended the ongoing military campaign against Iran during an address marking Veterans Day, asserting that the engagement will soon conclude and leave the world in a more secure state.

Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, the US president praised service personnel engaged in the fighting, describing their conduct and abilities as incredible. He told attendees that once the fighting ends, which he maintained would happen soon, the world would emerge safer, more peaceful and free from the threats previously faced.

The remarks follow midterm election results in which the Democratic Party secured control of Congress, an outcome driven in part by declining domestic support for the hostilities.

Recent casualty data released by the Pentagon indicates that the fighting has resulted in the deaths of 23 American military personnel. In addition to those killed, several hundred service members have sustained injuries over the course of the campaign.

The conflict, involving operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian forces, has faced mounting political scrutiny at home as casualties have grown and public backing has waned. Trump nonetheless used the national remembrance event to reaffirm his commitment to the mission and argue that its strategic objectives remain within reach.

The president maintained that the sacrifices of troops currently deployed would ultimately eliminate significant international dangers, even as lawmakers prepare for a shift in legislative power that could bring heightened oversight of the administration's military strategy in the region.