IWOTO ISLAND — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday joined Japanese leaders at a memorial ceremony on Iwoto Island to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal World War II clash between American and Japanese forces.

The ceremony marked Hegseth’s first official visit to Japan since assuming office and was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, according to Kyodo News.

Speaking at the memorial, Hegseth emphasized the enduring strength of the US-Japan alliance, calling it "the cornerstone of freedom, prosperity, security, and peace in the Indo-Pacific."

"The alliance shows how yesterday's enemy has become today’s friend," he said, before laying a wreath at a cenotaph honoring those who died in the battle.

The Battle of Iwo Jima, which began in February 1945, lasted roughly a month and claimed the lives of approximately 21,900 Japanese and 7,000 US soldiers. The island was returned to Japanese control in 1968.

Prime Minister Ishiba echoed Hegseth’s sentiments, pledging to elevate bilateral relations. "We must never forget that the peace and prosperity we enjoy today was built on the precious sacrifice of the war dead and untiring efforts by people over the 80 years since the war ended," he said.

Hegseth is scheduled to hold further talks with Nakatani and meet with Ishiba in Tokyo on Sunday to discuss regional security and the evolving Indo-Pacific alliance. — Agencies