U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of causing the deaths and severe injuries of American service members, saying the country’s actions left many soldiers permanently disabled.
According to a video posted by Fox News on Monday, July 13, 2026, Trump made the remarks during a press event that began with the signing of proclamations reducing the size of two national monuments in Utah before turning to questions about the conflict with Iran.
Trump linked the casualties to the late Iranian military commander, Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike ordered during his first term in office. He argued that Soleimani was responsible for years of attacks that harmed American forces deployed in the Middle East.
“And not only killed, when you see a young former soldier walking around with no legs, no arms, a face that’s been horribly, horribly hurt. That was done by Iran. That was done by Soleimani,” Trump said.
The U.S. president said his administration’s tougher approach toward Iran was influenced by what he described as years of attacks on American troops, arguing that previous policies had allowed the situation to persist.
Trump also alleged that the Iranian government had killed tens of thousands of protesters in recent months, while maintaining that the current U.S. military campaign is aimed at preventing further attacks by weakening Iran’s offensive capabilities.
The remarks reflect Trump’s position on Iran and the ongoing conflict. Iranian authorities have consistently rejected accusations that they target U.S. forces or pursue policies contrary to international law.
