US President Donald Trump has linked his administration’s war with Iran to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, using a solemn ceremony at the Pentagon to defend the ongoing conflict despite the absence of known Iranian involvement in the 9/11 attacks.
Trump, who did not attend the main memorial ceremony at Ground Zero, joined victims’ families, survivors and first responders at the Pentagon to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks, which killed thousands at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard a hijacked aircraft that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
In an emotional address, Trump paid tribute to those who died and praised the courage of first responders who risked their lives during the attacks.
“When future generations come here in 25, 100 or 250 years, they will stand in a nation that is free and unyielding in the face of evil,” Trump said.
He also honoured the family of FDNY Captain Timothy Stackpole, who died while attempting to rescue people at the World Trade Center, asking them to stand and receive applause from the audience.
However, Trump shifted from remembrance to the current conflict with Iran, arguing that the fight against Tehran was part of the United States’ continuing response to terrorism.
“Today we renew the sacred oath that we first swore in their names a quarter of a century ago, we will never, ever forget. That’s why we fight today,” he said.
Trump added that US service members were working to ensure that Iran, which he described as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, would never acquire a nuclear weapon.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a similar connection between the two events, saying the United States had spent the past six months confronting Iran’s Islamic government, which he accused of having “wished us death for nearly half a century” and celebrated the 9/11 attacks.
The 9/11 attacks, however, were carried out by al-Qaeda, with the 19 hijackers largely originating from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Lebanon. There is no established link between the Iranian government and the planning or execution of the attacks.
Trump was joined at the Pentagon ceremony by First Lady Melania Trump, Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine and former National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.
The President and his administration have cited several objectives for the conflict with Iran, including dismantling its nuclear programme, limiting its ability to attack neighbouring countries, ending support for regional proxy groups and, at times, seeking changes to the Islamic Republic’s government.
However, the administration has yet to achieve all of the stated objectives, amid continuing uncertainty over the scope and outcome of the conflict.
