President Donald Trump seized the opportunity during the 25th-anniversary ceremony of the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon to issue a stern warning to Iran. He defended America's ongoing conflict with the nation, positioning it as a necessary continuation of the fight against terrorism.
Speaking to military personnel, first responders, and relatives of victims, Trump drew a parallel between the Islamist terrorism of 2001 and the nuclear threat posed by Iran in 2026, framing the current conflict as an extension of that historic struggle.
"We salute the members of the Armed Forces working tirelessly to ensure that the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran, never obtains a nuclear weapon," he stated.
The Republican leader emphasized that the United States must not forget "that moment of immense and horrific evil" from 25 years ago, highlighting the nation's response to that atrocity.
Trump also linked the memory of nearly 3,000 victims from the 9/11 attacks to the ongoing military campaign: "Today, we renew the sacred oath we took a quarter-century ago. We will never, ever forget. That is why we fight today. Victory is our only option," he declared.
Instead of attending the commemoration at Ground Zero in Manhattan, Trump chose the Department of Defense headquarters. Vice President JD Vance, former presidents, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani were present at the New York ceremony.
According to CNN, Trump selected the Pentagon location because political speeches have been prohibited at New York's Ground Zero since 2012 to maintain a non-partisan stance during memorials.
The conflict with Iran began on February 28 with "Operation Epic Fury," a coordinated offensive by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites.
In April, Trump announced a naval blockade against Iran specifically aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
There was an attempt at easing tensions in June when Trump revealed a memorandum of understanding, which opened a 60-day window for broader peace negotiations. However, during the G7 summit, he warned that should the Islamic nation attempt to develop a bomb, "all hell will rain down upon them."
In March, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran had accumulated 5,500 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, a quantity sufficient to produce several nuclear bombs.
FAQs on U.S.-Iran Conflict and Nuclear Threat
What is Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury is a coordinated military offensive by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, initiated on February 28.
Why did Trump choose the Pentagon for the 9/11 ceremony?
Trump attended the ceremony at the Pentagon because political speeches have been banned at New York's Ground Zero since 2012 to ensure non-partisan tributes.
How much enriched uranium does Iran currently possess?
As of March, Iran has 5,500 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, which is enough to manufacture multiple nuclear bombs.