Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress are urging the Pentagon to explain a US strike during Operation Epic Fury that hit a girls’ elementary school in Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 175 civilians, including many children. The incident, occurring near the town of Minab on February 28, has sparked calls for a thorough investigation, accountability, and enhanced measures to prevent civilian casualties. Representative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico has written to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth seeking detailed information on efforts to prevent and address civilian harm, particularly related to the airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school.
Members of Congress, including Congressman Jason Crow and over 120 Democratic lawmakers, have also pressed the Pentagon for clarifications regarding the strike and broader civilian casualties in Iran. They expressed deep concern over the reported attack on the girls’ school, where a significant number of civilians, including children, lost their lives. The legislators have requested specifics on the targeting process, assessments of civilian harm risks, and measures taken to avoid or respond to civilian casualties during Operation Epic Fury.
Furthermore, a group of senators, including Mark Warner, Brian Schatz, Patty Murray, Jeanne Shaheen, Jack Reed, and Chris Coons, have issued a statement condemning the reported strike on the Iranian elementary school. They emphasized the appalling nature of the incident, especially the loss of school children’s lives, and called for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the matter. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that a formal investigation into the strike has been initiated by the US military to address all aspects surrounding the incident. Hegseth assured that the inquiry would be comprehensive, and the findings would be disclosed upon its completion.
The controversy arises amid growing scrutiny over civilian casualties linked to the Trump administration’s actions in Iran and the execution of Operation Epic Fury. Lawmakers have highlighted concerns about over 1,000 reported civilian deaths during the campaign, with fears raised about strikes hitting civilian facilities such as schools, hospitals, and public gathering places.
