Trump Honors 13 US Service Members Who Died in Iran Conflict on Memorial Day

The speech came after Trump announced over the past weekend that the United States and Iran are nearing a deal to end the conflict.

President Donald Trump participates in a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on May 25, 2026. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

President Donald Trump on Monday honored 13 service members who were killed in the Iran war while he spoke at the Arlington National Cemetery as part of a Memorial Day event.

“In Operation Epic Fury, we lost 13 wonderful souls, wonderful special people,” he said at the Virginia event, referring to the Iran conflict. “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. Oh, and they won’t. They will never have a nuclear weapon.”