Washington, United States. Nearly every US Senate Democrat signed a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seeking a “swift investigation” into airstrikes on a girls’ school in Iran that killed scores of children. The senators also requested scrutiny of any other potential US military actions causing civilian harm.
Senators seek answers on Feb. 28 strike
US military investigators believe it is likely US forces were responsible for the Feb. 28 strike on the school, which occurred as US and Israeli forces launched attacks on Iran. In the letter signed by 46 senators, lawmakers said the results were “horrific” and that most of those killed were girls aged 7 to 12, adding that neither the United States nor the Israeli government had taken responsibility.
Fetterman absent from letter, says he supports investigation
The correspondence was signed by every member of the Senate Democratic caucus except Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Asked for comment, Fetterman said he supported the military and Israel in the operation, known as Epic Fury, and said in an emailed statement that the United States does not intentionally target civilians and that a full investigation should be conducted. A spokesperson said Fetterman backs a comprehensive investigation regardless of whether he signed the letter.
Questions include civilian-harm measures and AI use
The letter asked for responses by March 18, including whether US forces conducted the strikes, what steps the military has taken to prevent and mitigate civilian harm, and what role artificial intelligence tools have played in operations.
Pentagon response and political split
The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hegseth has vowed to restore a “warrior ethos” to the US military and recently referred to rules of engagement as “stupid” at a press conference.
Iran cites civilian toll; no Republican signatures
Iran’s UN ambassador said the US-Israeli strikes had killed more than 1,300 civilians. No Republicans signed the letter, and members of President Trump’s party, which holds a 53-seat Senate majority, have almost unanimously backed his strategy on Iran, with only a handful expressing doubt about any aspect of the war.
What steps should the Pentagon disclose about how it assesses and mitigates civilian harm in its operations?
