Nearly a dozen senators issue Hegseth short deadline to answer for ‘troubling allegations’

Nearly a dozen Democratic senators have given Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a two-week deadline to respond to serious concerns about his leadership, especially claims that cuts to programs meant to protect civilians may have led to at least 1,700 civilian deaths.

The senators made this demand in a formal letter signed by 11 Democrats. This comes at a time when reports are increasing about heavy civilian casualties in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran. According to an Iranian official, at least 3,375 people have been killed since February 28 due to U.S.-Israeli strikes, including 383 children, which has raised global concern.

The letter also points to reports that Hegseth made major cuts to programs within the Defense Department that are designed to reduce civilian harm during military operations. It is claimed that staff at the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence were reduced by more than 90%, which the senators say is alarming.

They described this as a worrying pattern and questioned whether the administration is still following international law and the rules of war. They also warned that such actions could damage the reputation of the U.S. military and increase risks not only to civilians but also to American soldiers.

The senators also referred to some of Hegseth’s past statements about how the war should be fought. He reportedly said there would be “no stupid rules of engagement,” criticized what he called “soft legality,” and used strong language like “no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.” The senators pointed out that international law clearly forbids such statements, especially anything suggesting that no mercy will be given in war.

Because of these concerns, the senators are asking Hegseth to provide clear details about how many staff have been cut from civilian protection programs and what steps are currently being taken to reduce harm to civilians during military operations.

There are also reports linking the United States to several deadly strikes on civilian locations in Iran. One of the most shocking claims involves the bombing of a girls’ primary school, where 156 civilians were reportedly killed, including 120 children. Another attack on a different school is said to have killed at least 21 people.

These reports have added to the pressure on the Defense Department, as questions continue to grow about accountability, the conduct of the war, and the safety of civilians caught in the conflict.