President Donald Trump used his Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen American service members, including 13 troops killed during the recent conflict with Iran, placing their sacrifice at the center of a national day of remembrance.

Speaking during the annual observance at Arlington, Trump recognized the service members who died during what he described as Operation Epic Fury, a military campaign launched amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran. He said the troops gave their lives to ensure that Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon, according to ABC News.

“In Operation Epic Fury, we lost 13 wonderful souls, wonderful special people,” Trump said during his remarks. He added that the fallen service members “gave their lives” to prevent Iran, which the U.S. has long designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The Memorial Day ceremony came as the administration continues to pursue a diplomatic agreement aimed at ending hostilities with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposed arrangement as a “work in progress” while speaking to reporters during a trip to India, according to ABC News. Rubio said negotiators had developed what he called a solid framework involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and further talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

During his Arlington remarks, Trump specifically honored the 13 service members killed in the Iran conflict. Seven were killed during the opening wave of Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, while six Air Force personnel died when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.

Trump also recognized the family of Air Force Capt. Ariana Savino, one of the service members who died during the operation, according to New York Post reporting on the ceremony.

The president’s remarks connected the recent losses to a broader history of American military sacrifice, a theme traditionally emphasized during Memorial Day commemorations. Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most prominent military burial grounds, serves as the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of service members and veterans.

Before delivering his speech, Trump participated in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined him for the observance.

The ceremony unfolded against the backdrop of continued diplomacy in the Middle East. Trump said over the weekend that an agreement with Iran had been “largely negotiated,” while noting that final details remained under discussion.

Rubio, however, struck a more cautious tone, saying negotiations remain incomplete and that approval within Iran’s political system could take time. He also stressed that the administration’s ultimate goal remains preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Earlier in the day, Trump wished a “Happy Memorial Day to all, including the Dumocrats,” before launching into criticism of Democrats, “RINOs” and other political opponents. The post accused his critics of disrespecting the military and harming the country, extending political attacks into a holiday traditionally dedicated to honoring fallen service members.

The message contrasted sharply with the White House’s official Memorial Day proclamation issued days earlier, which focused on remembrance, prayer, honoring military sacrifice and longstanding traditions such as lowering flags to half-staff.