US Lawmakers Demand Inquiry into Tragic Attack on Girls' School in Iran

Several prominent Democratic senators from the United States have requested a comprehensive investigation into the lethal bombing of a girls’ school situated in southern Iran, emphasizing that the Pentagon must articulate clear details regarding the strike that reportedly claimed the lives of at least 170 individuals.

In a collective statement issued late Sunday, six Democratic lawmakers expressed their shock at the attack on the Minab elementary school. The incident occurred during the initial phase of US-Israeli military operations targeting Iran on February 28.

“The killing of students is horrifying and unacceptable under any circumstances,” remarked the senators, who hold key roles on national security committees. They underscored the necessity for a meticulous examination of the event and insisted that the public is entitled to transparency about the circumstances that unfolded.

The demands for an investigation were prompted by the release of new video footage indicating that the school may have been hit by a Tomahawk missile, a weapon utilized by the United States but not available to either Israel or Iran. The bombing incident in Minab has since become one of the most talked- about occurrences involving civilian casualties amid the ongoing conflict.

Iranian officials report that the war has inflicted extensive damage on civilian infrastructure. Authorities in Tehran have stated that airstrikes have targeted schools, healthcare facilities, residential complexes, markets, and various public services, such as a water desalination plant.

According to Iran’s Deputy Health Minister, Ali Jafarian, attacks by US and Israeli forces have resulted in the deaths of no less than 1,255 people nationwide since the war commenced, with the majority of the victims being civilians.

“They were either at home or in their workplaces,” Jafarian conveyed during a televised discussion.

The senators also referenced comments made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the easing of military engagement rules throughout the conflict. They argued that any policy decisions that may have led to civilian casualties should be thoroughly assessed.

“Secretary Hegseth must ensure that the Department of Defense’s ongoing investigation into this strike is exhaustive… and provide straightforward answers to the American public and Congress regarding how and why this tragedy occurred,” stated the lawmakers.

Among those advocating for the inquiry are Senators Brian Schatz, Jeanne Shaheen, Jack Reed, and Elizabeth Warren. They emphasized the need for a complete and impartial review of the Minab bombing and similar events.

Hegseth had previously told the press that US troops are executing the “most lethal” strikes against Iran with broadened authority, asserting that military actions should not be constrained by what he considered restrictive engagement guidelines.

Notwithstanding the increasing scrutiny and investigations by journalists suggesting the involvement of US weaponry in the bombing, President Donald Trump has pointed the finger at Iran for the incident.

“In my view, and based on what I've been informed, it was executed by Iran,” Trump commented last week.

Hegseth has not reiterated that assertion, stating merely that the Pentagon is continuing its investigation into the event.

Human rights advocates assert that the United States has a history of denying civilian casualties during conflicts, only to later acknowledge missteps following further scrutiny. They maintain that transparency is crucial in the Minab situation.

Annie Shiel, the US director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, emphasized that the administration should prioritize uncovering the truth over deflecting responsibility.

“The US needs to shift its focus from denial to uncovering the truth regarding what transpired and why through a comprehensive, transparent, and independent investigation,” she urged.