Senators from both parties have moved to block Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel funds until the Pentagon releases its investigation into a deadly strike on an elementary school in Iran. The strike, which occurred on February 28, 2026, killed more than 165 people, many of them children, at a campus adjacent to a Revolutionary Guard base. The bombing marked the first day of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran and became a focal point of the conflict.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The provision, included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), restricts 75% of Hegseth’s travel funds until the Pentagon submits unredacted civilian harm investigations, including the Minab school strike report. Preliminary findings suggest the U.S. was responsible, citing outdated intelligence as the cause. The report was completed last month but has not been shared with Congress.
Deeper Dive & Context
Congressional Oversight and Accountability
Sen. Jack Reed (D), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated the defense package aims to increase accountability and prevent past errors. The strike, if confirmed as a U.S. operation, would rank among the highest civilian casualty events in American military history in the last two decades.
Bipartisan Pressure on Pentagon
The provision was added by senators from both parties, signaling rare bipartisan agreement on Pentagon transparency. The Senate bill text specifies that no more than 25% of travel funds may be spent until all relevant documents are submitted.
Preliminary Findings and Intelligence Failures
According to those familiar with the investigation, the strike was likely carried out due to flawed intelligence, raising questions about military targeting protocols. The incident has fueled criticism of U.S. military operations in the region and sparked calls for stricter oversight.
Long-Term Implications
The move underscores growing congressional frustration with the Pentagon’s delays in releasing reports on civilian harm. If the funds remain blocked, Hegseth’s ability to conduct official travel could be significantly curtailed, potentially impacting diplomatic and military engagements.