US Senators Demand Investigation into Deadly Attack on Iranian Girls' School
Top Democratic senators in the United States have called for a thorough investigation into a devastating attack on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, which resulted in the deaths of at least 170 people. The bombing occurred during the initial US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. In a joint statement, six lawmakers expressed their horror over the incident, emphasizing the need for the Pentagon to provide clear answers regarding the attack.
The senators' demand for an investigation follows the release of new footage suggesting that the school was likely struck by a Tomahawk missile, a weapon used by the US but not possessed by Israel or Iran. The attack on the Minab elementary school has become a symbol of the increasing civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials report that US and Israeli strikes have also damaged other schools, medical centers, residential buildings, and civilian infrastructure, resulting in a total of 1,255 deaths, mostly civilians, since the conflict began.
The US senators, including Brian Schatz, Jeanne Shaheen, Jack Reed, and Elizabeth Warren, have criticized Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth for loosening the rules of engagement, allowing US forces to conduct strikes with minimal restraint. They insist that the Department of Defense must conduct a comprehensive investigation into the Minab strike, examining any policy decisions that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Despite evidence suggesting US involvement, President Donald Trump has accused Iran of carrying out the attack. Meanwhile, Hegseth has refrained from supporting Trump's claim, stating that the Pentagon is still investigating the incident. The senators stress that the investigation must be impartial and thorough, providing transparency to both the American public and Congress.
Annie Shiel, US director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), criticized the US government's tendency to deny civilian harm, urging a shift towards transparency and accountability. She cited past incidents, such as the 2021 strike in Afghanistan, where initial denials were later overturned by independent investigations.
The United Nations has also condemned the Minab attack, calling it a "grave assault on children" and demanding an urgent, independent investigation. UN experts emphasized that attacking a school during class hours raises serious international law concerns and requires accountability for any violations.