Pentagon – US Lawmakers Demand Answers After Deadly Iran School Airstrike
Pentagon – Democratic members of the United States Congress are demanding detailed explanations from the Department of Defense following reports that a recent American military strike in Iran may have struck a girls’ elementary school, resulting in the deaths of at least 175 civilians. According to early reports, many of the victims were children. The incident has raised serious concerns among lawmakers and triggered calls for a comprehensive investigation into how the strike occurred and whether stronger safeguards are needed to prevent harm to civilians.
Concerns Raised Over Civilian Death Toll
Several lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and the Senate said the reported strike could represent one of the most severe civilian casualty incidents linked to recent US military actions in the Middle East. The attack is believed to have taken place on February 28 near the Iranian town of Minab.
Representative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico confirmed that he had sent a formal letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting detailed information about the incident. In the letter, Vasquez asked the Pentagon to clarify what measures are currently in place to prevent civilian harm and how the military responds when such incidents occur. The request also seeks a full casualty assessment related to the reported strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school.
Lawmakers Demand Transparency
In their communication with the Defense Department, lawmakers emphasized that international law requires all parties involved in armed conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. They stressed that educational institutions, particularly schools, must never become targets during military operations.
The letter calls for a detailed explanation of the decision-making process behind the strike and asks the Pentagon to outline how civilian safety was considered during the planning and execution of Operation Epic Fury. Lawmakers also requested information about any procedures the military has implemented to reduce the risk of civilian casualties.
Additional Congressional Inquiry Expands Pressure
The pressure on the Pentagon increased as Congressman Jason Crow and more than 120 Democratic lawmakers jointly submitted another request for information. Their letter specifically highlighted reports describing the attack on the school as potentially the deadliest civilian incident connected to the current conflict in Iran.
According to the lawmakers, preliminary reports indicate that at least 175 civilians were killed, with many identified as schoolchildren. In addition, approximately 100 students and staff members were reportedly injured during the strike. The group urged the Defense Department to provide a clear explanation of how the location was selected as a target and whether risk assessments were conducted beforehand.
Questions Over Targeting and Technology
Members of Congress are also seeking clarification about the role of technology in the targeting process. In their inquiry, lawmakers asked whether artificial intelligence systems were used to help identify or verify the strike location.
They further requested confirmation on whether any automated tools were reviewed by human operators before the attack was authorized. Lawmakers said understanding the role of such technology is essential to determine whether safeguards are sufficient to prevent errors that could lead to civilian deaths.
Senators Condemn Reported Attack
A separate statement issued by several senators expressed deep concern over the reported strike. Among those who signed the statement were Mark Warner, Brian Schatz, Patty Murray, Jeanne Shaheen, Jack Reed, and Chris Coons.
The senators described the reports as deeply disturbing, noting that the deaths of schoolchildren represent an unacceptable outcome under any circumstances. They called for a thorough, impartial investigation and urged the Defense Department to ensure accountability if mistakes were made.
Pentagon Launches Formal Investigation
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the US military has already initiated a formal investigation into the incident. According to Hegseth, the inquiry will review all aspects of the strike, including how the target was identified and whether procedures designed to protect civilians were followed.
He stated that the investigation would continue until all relevant questions surrounding the event are addressed. Once the review is complete, the findings will be shared publicly.
Hegseth also reiterated that the United States military does not intentionally target civilians. Speaking to reporters, he said the goal of the investigation is to determine exactly what happened and ensure transparency once the facts are established.
Rising Scrutiny Over Civilian Harm
The controversy comes at a time when military operations connected to the ongoing conflict in Iran are facing increasing scrutiny in Washington. Lawmakers have expressed growing concern about the broader humanitarian impact of the campaign.
According to information cited in congressional letters, more than 1,000 civilians may have been killed since the operation began. Reports have also raised concerns that some strikes may have affected civilian locations, including schools, hospitals, and public gathering spaces.
As the investigation moves forward, members of Congress say they expect clear answers and stronger safeguards to ensure civilian protection during future military operations.