Rep. Scholten Demands Immediate Answers from Secretary Hegseth on U.S. Military Strikes in Iran, Civilian Casualties

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth calling for immediate transparency and accountability around U.S. military operations in Iran, and specifically the methods behind identifying military targets. The letter follows new reporting around a recent U.S. strike in Iran targeting an elementary school and killing at least 168 civilians, most of them children.

"The United States maintains the most capable military in the world. With that strength comes a responsibility to ensure that our operations are guided by accurate, current intelligence and conducted with the highest regard for civilian life. Military operations conducted based on incomplete or outdated information risk devastating civilian populations, undermining the legitimacy and effectiveness of even the most justified security objectives, and damaging America's standing as a global leader," Rep. Scholten wrote in part.

"The Constitution entrusts Congress with a central role in the decisions that can lead to war precisely because of the profound human and strategic consequences involved," Rep. Scholten continued. "I request a full briefing for Congress on the circumstances surrounding this strike, including the intelligence used to identify the target and the role, if any, of automated or AI-enabled targeting systems in the decision-making process. I also request an update on current Department of Defense funding and staffing levels for civilian harm mitigation and response efforts.

The full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth,

I write with deep concern following preliminary reporting that a recent U.S. strike in Iran hit an elementary school, killing at least 168 civilians, many of them children. The loss of civilian lives, especially on this scale, is devastating. When tragedies like this occur, the American people and the Congress that represents them deserve immediate transparency and accountability.

The United States maintains the most capable military in the world. With that strength comes a responsibility to ensure that our operations are guided by accurate, current intelligence and conducted with the highest regard for civilian life. Military operations conducted based on incomplete or outdated information risk devastating civilian populations, undermining the legitimacy and effectiveness of even the most justified security objectives, and damaging America's standing as a global leader.

This incident underscores the importance of clear objectives and Congressional oversight whenever U.S. forces are deployed abroad. The Constitution entrusts Congress with a central role in the decisions that can lead to war precisely because of the profound human and strategic consequences involved. For Congress to fulfill that responsibility, Members must have access to the most timely and accurate information available.

This strike also comes after the Pentagon significantly reduced civilian harm oversight capabilities, including the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. Reports indicate that last year, staffing dedicated to civilian protection issues was reduced by 90 percent, and that the team responsible for tracking civilian casualties at U.S. Central Command has been reduced from ten personnel to one. These developments raise serious concerns about the Department's ability to prevent and investigate civilian harm during military operations.

I request a full briefing for Congress on the circumstances surrounding this strike, including the intelligence used to identify the target and the role, if any, of automated or AI-enabled targeting systems in the decision-making process. I also request an update on current Department of Defense funding and staffing levels for civilian harm mitigation and response efforts.

The United States has a responsibility to both the American people and to civilians abroad to ensure that our military operations reflect the highest moral and strategic standards.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

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