Washington DC [US], May 28:US President Donald Trump did not meet any of the 14 American troops injured in the ongoing conflict with Iran during his six-month medical checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, CBS News reported.
According to CBS, a family member of one soldier and a military official aware of the visit said the president met with US service members at the facility, but none of the 14 troops wounded in recent Iran-related operations. All 14 are currently recovering at the same hospital.
While the White House confirmed that Trump visited service members at the Army’s premier medical centre, officials repeatedly declined to clarify whether he met those injured in Operation Epic Fury.
A White House spokesperson said, “President Trump was honoured to meet with our amazing service members and medical staff while at Walter Reed Medical Centre,” but did not offer any explanation for why the Iran-war–injured troops were not included in the visit.
CBS noted that it has long been customary for American presidents to meet troops wounded in combat. The outlet cited the example of former President George W. Bush, who during the Iraq War in 2004 described it as an honour “to meet the wounded who have made a decision to sacrifice for this nation’s security and for freedom in the world.”
As regional tensions evolve, CBS also reported citing the US Department of Defense that 409 American service members have been injured in the conflict with Iran.
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his commitment on Wednesday to securing a ceasefire agreement with Tehran, asserting he “won’t be outlasted” and stressing that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons.” Addressing maritime security, he added that the Strait of Hormuz would remain “open to everybody” as part of ongoing negotiations.