On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States will 'never forget' the September 11, 2001 attacks, drawing a connection between the legacy of the war on terror and current American military operations. He emphasized that U.S. forces are working to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.
Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks at the Pentagon, Trump stated that the U.S. continues to battle today, adding, 'We have no choice, there is no alternative to victory.'
He further stated that Americans will forever remember the victims of 9/11 and their families.
'The World Will Never Be the Same'
Trump continued, 'Twenty-five years after the attacks, we realize the world will never be the same as it was that morning,' recalling the moments when planes struck the World Trade Center towers and targeted the Pentagon.
The U.S. President described the attacks as a moment when 'terrible evil' entered the lives of Americans, highlighting that the repercussions of that day are still felt a quarter of a century later.
Trump Focuses on Iran
In a primary message of his speech, Trump linked the remembrance of the attacks with the ongoing confrontation with Tehran, applauding the U.S. armed forces personnel who he said are working 'at this moment' to ensure Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon.
Trump asserted that American forces are determined to prevent Iran, described as the 'number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world,' from obtaining a nuclear weapon 'ever, ever.'
Trump's remarks come as his administration continues to prioritize preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as a main objective of its policy towards Tehran.
'No Alternative to Victory'
Trump expressed that after a full generation since 9/11, the 'ultimate response' to the attacks and victory over their perpetrators will not just occur on a foreign battlefield.
He added that from his perspective, the United States is stronger than ever before.
He continued, 'Thanks to that spirit, when future generations come here 25, 100, or 250 years from now, they will stand in a free nation that does not yield in the face of evil.'
Trump concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of keeping the memory of the attacks alive, stating, 'It will never be forgotten, and we can never forget.'
On September 11, 2001, two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York, a third plane targeted the Pentagon, and a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 3,000 people and marked a turning point in U.S. foreign and security policy, leading to a nearly two-decade-long war in Afghanistan.