US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) said that the United States did not initiate the war with Iran, asserting that Tehran had been waging war against America since 1979, as he defended his administration's military action against the country and said Washington wanted to secure a "total victory" rather than settle for a partial outcome.

Speaking during the 2026 National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump said the United States had fought back against Iran and claimed that American military operations had significantly damaged the country's capabilities.