US Senators Demand Full Investigation into 'Appalling' Attack on Iranian Girls' School
Several senior Democratic senators in the United States have issued a forceful demand for a comprehensive investigation into the deadly bombing of a girls' elementary school in southern Iran. The lawmakers expressed horror at the strike, which reportedly killed at least 170 people during the opening wave of US-Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28.
Lawmakers Call for Transparency and Accountability
In a joint statement released late Sunday, six Democratic senators serving on key national security committees declared they were "horrified" by the attack on the school in Minab. "The killing of school children is appalling and unacceptable under any circumstance," the senators emphasized. They stressed that the incident must be carefully examined and that the public deserves complete transparency about what transpired.
The calls for investigation have intensified following the emergence of new video footage suggesting the school may have been struck by a Tomahawk missile—a weapon system used exclusively by the United States and not possessed by either Israel or Iran. The Minab attack has subsequently become one of the most widely discussed incidents of civilian casualties linked to the ongoing conflict.
Widespread Civilian Infrastructure Damage Reported
Iranian officials have reported extensive damage to civilian infrastructure resulting from the war. According to authorities in Tehran, strikes have targeted schools, medical facilities, residential buildings, markets, and other public services, including a critical water desalination plant.
Iran's Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian stated that US and Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,255 people across the country since the conflict began, noting that most victims were civilians. "They were living in their homes or [were] at their workplace," Jafarian explained during a television interview, highlighting the non-combatant nature of the casualties.
Questions About Military Rules of Engagement
The senators specifically pointed to comments made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the loosening of military rules of engagement during the conflict. They argued that any policy decisions that may have contributed to civilian casualties should undergo thorough review.
"Secretary Hegseth needs to ensure the Department of Defense's ongoing investigation into this strike is thorough... and provide clear answers to the American public and Congress about how and why this tragedy unfolded," the lawmakers insisted.
Among those calling for the review are Senators Brian Schatz, Jeanne Shaheen, Jack Reed, and Elizabeth Warren. They emphasized that the Minab bombing and similar incidents must be "fully and impartially reviewed" to establish accountability.
Conflicting Claims and Ongoing Investigations
Hegseth previously told reporters that US forces are conducting the "most lethal" strikes against Iran with expanded authority, arguing that the military should operate without what he described as restrictive rules of engagement. However, despite growing scrutiny and investigations by journalists and analysts suggesting US weapons may have been used in the strike, President Donald Trump has blamed Iran for the bombing.
"In my opinion and based on what I've seen, that was done by Iran," Trump asserted last week. Hegseth has not repeated that claim, stating only that the Pentagon continues to investigate the incident.
Human Rights Advocates Emphasize Need for Truth
Human rights advocates note that the United States has previously denied civilian casualties in conflicts only to later acknowledge mistakes after further investigations. They argue that transparency is absolutely essential in the Minab case.
Annie Shiel, the US director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, urged the administration to focus on uncovering the truth rather than denying responsibility. "The US needs to stop focusing on denial and get to the truth about what happened and why through a thorough, transparent, independent investigation," she emphasized.
The growing demands for accountability reflect deepening concerns about civilian protection in conflict zones and the need for clear explanations when tragic incidents occur. As investigations continue, the international community watches closely for answers about one of the most devastating single incidents of the ongoing conflict.
