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Democrats Press Pentagon on Iran Civilian Deaths
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Democratic lawmakers have urged the Pentagon to provide details about U.S. airstrikes in Iran that resulted in civilian casualties, including a September strike that killed three adults and two children at a wedding.
- The September strike also injured approximately 70 people, raising concerns about civilian harm in ongoing military operations.
- In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Democrats demanded transparency on this and other incidents with significant civilian deaths, citing a troubling pattern since the war began.
- Although currently lacking strong leverage over the Department of Defense, Democrats may prioritize civilian casualty oversight if they gain control of one or both chambers of Congress after the midterm elections.
- The letter, led by Representatives Jason Crow, Sara Jacobs, and Yassamin Ansari, garnered 74 signatures, indicating widespread concern within the Democratic caucus.
