More than 120 Democratic members of Congress have formally requested detailed information from the Pentagon regarding measures taken to limit civilian casualties in Iran and the extent to which artificial intelligence systems are being employed in target selection.
The congressional letter, addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and sent Thursday morning, focuses particular attention on a strike against the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, Iran, which resulted in more than 170 deaths, the majority of whom were children. The attack occurred in the early morning hours of February 28 during ongoing military operations conducted by the United States and Israel.
According to preliminary findings from sources familiar with the military investigation, a United States munition was likely responsible for the strike. Furthermore, these sources indicate that outdated intelligence may have contributed to the target selection process. The Pentagon has stated that its investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The congressional inquiry poses several pointed questions to Secretary Hegseth. Lawmakers are asking why this particular target was selected and whether the Pentagon intends to investigate the strike as a potential war crime. The letter also seeks clarification on the role artificial intelligence has played in target selection, intelligence assessment, and legal determinations throughout the military operation.
Of particular concern to the lawmakers is whether AI systems are subject to human oversight, and if so, at what stage of the decision-making process. They specifically ask whether the Maven Smart System, an artificial intelligence program, was used to identify the school as a target, and whether a human operator verified the accuracy of this designation.
The Pentagon has been given until March 20 to provide answers to these questions. A Pentagon spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Representative Sara Jacobs of California, one of the signatories to the letter, issued a statement expressing deep concern over the incident. She emphasized that if American forces are indeed responsible, the administration must take responsibility, accept accountability, and provide restitution to survivors and victims’ families. Representative Jacobs criticized President Trump for denying United States involvement and attributing blame to Iran before the investigation has been completed.
President Trump has maintained, without supporting evidence, that Iran may be responsible for the attack on the school. This position contradicts the preliminary findings of the military investigation. When questioned by reporters on Saturday about whether United States forces struck the school, the President stated that in his opinion, and based on what he had seen, Iran was responsible for the attack.
Defense Secretary Hegseth was present during the President’s remarks to reporters but did not elaborate on the matter when questioned.
The incident has raised broader questions about civilian casualties resulting from United States and Israeli military operations in Iran, as well as the increasing role of artificial intelligence in military decision-making processes. The congressional inquiry represents a significant effort by lawmakers to obtain transparency regarding these operations and the safeguards in place to prevent civilian harm.
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