US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that the United States is investigating a military strike on a girls' primary school in southern Iran that killed more than 160 people, including scores of pupils. During a news briefing on Wednesday, Hegseth addressed the incident, stating, "All I know is we're investigating that. We of course never target civilian targets, but we're taking a look and investigating that."
Hegseth Repeats Investigation Stance Amid Questions
When pressed for clarity on whose munition was used in the strike, Hegseth reiterated his position, saying, "We're investigating it." This response underscores the ongoing nature of the inquiry into the tragic event, which has drawn international attention due to the high civilian casualties, particularly among children.
US Vows to Continue Attacks on Iran
Hegseth also emphasized that US attacks on Iran will persist for as long as necessary, describing the conflict as "never meant to be a fair fight." He explained, "We are only four days into this. Metrics are shifting, dust is settling, and more forces are arriving. It's very early, and as President Trump has said, we will take all the time we need to make sure that we succeed." This statement highlights the US commitment to its military objectives in the region, despite the controversy surrounding the school strike.
Context of the Iran-US Conflict
The strike on the girls' school comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with recent reports indicating that a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Hegseth's comments reflect the broader strategic posture of the US, which includes a willingness to engage in prolonged military actions. The investigation into the school incident is part of efforts to assess compliance with rules of engagement and minimize civilian harm, though Hegseth's remarks suggest a focus on operational success over immediate accountability.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with concerns mounting over the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The loss of life at the school has sparked outrage, putting pressure on US officials to provide transparent updates on the investigation's findings.
