WASHINGTON — President Trump mourned the deaths of 13 military service members in the ongoing war with Iran as part of his Memorial Day remembrance Monday — with one bereaved family in attendance for his remarks at Arlington National Cemetery.
“These incredible men and women gave their lives to ensure that the world’s number one state sponsor of terror will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said moments after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“Oh, and they won’t. They will never have a nuclear weapon. I’m sure you know that one.”
Trump then called out to the family of Air Force Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash. — who died in the March 12 crash of a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft over Iraq — asking them to stand for applause.
“In two wars recently, we’ve lost a total of 13 service members,” he said.
“In Venezuela, which was a complete and total victory … we took that over in one day, lost no one. In Operation Epic Fury, we lost 13 wonderful souls — wonderful, special people.”
The president announced Saturday that a “largely negotiated” memorandum of understanding with Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping while leaving nuclear terms for a second phase of talks.
Administration officials clarified Sunday that an initial deal was likely to be at least five to seven days away, with Trump himself releasing a statement saying: “Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that he was ready “to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon” — although Tehran has long made that claim while refining uranium to near-weapons grade.
Trump is facing pushback from some Republicans in Congress who fear that he may end the three-month war without permanently ending Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump also led a round of applause Monday for a 97-year-old Battle of the Bulge veteran who fought against Nazi Germany’s last major counteroffensive in World War II.
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“At 15, Harry Miller lied about his age to enlist and was soon fighting to stop the SS Panzer divisions, as part of the famed 740th Tank Battalion,” Trump told his audience.
“The Daredevils, they were called — of which he is among the last surviving members at 97 years old,” the president recounted.
“Within six months after the battle, Harry’s unit lost 42 comrades. He’s remembering them today.
“Sgt. Miller, it is a true honor to have you with us.”
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