US President Donald Trump has defended America’s military campaign against Iran, declaring that Washington is seeking a complete victory while rejecting claims that the United States initiated the conflict.

Speaking during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on November  Trump said the confrontation with Iran had roots stretching back several decades. He argued that Tehran had been engaged in hostile actions against American interests since 1979.

“America did not start a war with Iran,” Trump said, maintaining that the United States was responding to longstanding threats.

Trump Says Washington Wants Complete Victory

During his address, Trump claimed that American forces had already achieved a military victory but stressed that the administration wanted to ensure a comprehensive outcome.

He said the United States would not settle for a partial victory, using the phrase “total victory, not a 93% victory” to describe his administration’s objective.

The president did not provide a specific explanation for the 93% figure.

Trump also suggested that Washington would determine when the military engagement should come to an end, indicating that the timing of ending the conflict remained a matter of strategic consideration.

Iran Conflict Remains a Major International Concern

The military confrontation between Washington and Tehran has become a significant issue for international security, regional stability and global energy markets.

The conflict has raised concerns about the security of shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, an important passage for international oil transportation.

Any prolonged instability in the region could affect energy supplies, international trade and economic conditions across multiple countries.

Trump Refers to American Military Casualties

During the Veterans Day address, Trump also spoke about American service members who had lost their lives during the conflict.

He referred to 18 US military personnel killed during the campaign and used the occasion to highlight the sacrifices made by American armed forces.

The president also introduced Marine veteran Dale Garner, who survived the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut, an attack attributed to Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

Diplomatic Resolution Still Remains Important

Although Trump described the American military campaign as successful, his comments also indicated that Washington wanted to secure a lasting outcome rather than simply end military operations.

Earlier remarks by the president had suggested that the conflict could conclude soon, particularly if diplomatic efforts made progress.

However, the future course of the confrontation remains uncertain, with questions surrounding regional security, Iran’s military capabilities and the possibility of a broader diplomatic settlement.

Trump’s latest remarks underline the administration’s position on the conflict, while international attention remains focused on whether military pressure and diplomatic engagement can produce a lasting resolution.