Admiral Cooper, the U.S. officer directing combat operations in Iran, informed senators that the military identified only one potential instance of mistaken Iranian civilian deaths from an estimated 13,600 U.S. airstrikes. This assertion has drawn immediate criticism, with human rights groups and some lawmakers deeming the claim "not remotely credible."
The discrepancy lies between official U.S. military statements and documented evidence of destruction. The New York Times has independently verified damage to 22 schools and 17 health care facilities. Reports from the Iranian Red Crescent Society indicate a far more extensive impact, with at least 763 schools and 316 health care facilities damaged or destroyed.
Admiral Cooper further stated that the team at U.S. Central Command dedicated to civilian casualty prevention has been significantly reduced, shrinking from 10 officers to a single individual over the past year. He clarified that most of the reassigned officers continue to contribute to preventing civilian deaths in new capacities within the command.
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Disputed Casualty Figures and Reduced Oversight
Cooper's testimony suggests a belief that U.S. military operations have been exceptionally precise in avoiding civilian casualties. However, organizations like Airwars have recorded at least 300 civilian casualty events in Iran, many linked to large bombs used in populated areas.
The U.S. military has yet to claim responsibility for a specific school strike, which Admiral Cooper indicated is still under investigation. This stands in contrast to statements from some military professionals who, in the past, viewed avoiding civilian casualties as a critical aspect of military discipline and a matter of "their own humanity."
Erosion of Safeguards
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of reports suggesting that Pentagon civilian safeguards were reportedly weakened before the Iran conflict. Critics point to a shift in approach, with some advisors suggesting that prior to President Trump's return to office, there was a move to eliminate what they perceived as "unnecessary constraints" on military actions. This included empowering commanders to conduct more airstrikes without requiring higher-level approval, and rhetoric that some found departed from the usual solemnity surrounding the use of military force.
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A former Defense Department program aimed at reducing civilian harm, described as a "blueprint," appears to have been largely sidelined. While defense officials may require congressional approval to formally disband such initiatives, some involved suggest these programs now "mostly exist on paper." This comes after previous efforts, including a "Civilian Protection Center of Excellence," which were intended to overhaul how the U.S. military handles civilian safety during operations.
