Washington (TDI): A Democratic lawmaker in the United States has announced plans to initiate impeachment proceedings against the country’s defense chief over his role in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Representative Yassamin Ansari said she intends to introduce articles of impeachment against War Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of complicity in what she described as an unlawful and escalating war.
In a statement posted on X, Ansari sharply criticized US President Donald Trump, alleging that he is intensifying a destructive conflict and putting civilian lives at risk. She argued that Hegseth shares responsibility for decisions that could amount to serious violations of international law.
Ansari also revealed that she has called for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution, underscoring growing political tensions in Washington over the war.
Her remarks come at a time of increasing scrutiny of US military operations in Iran. Reports have raised concerns about civilian casualties and possible breaches of international humanitarian law.
Read More: Pezeshkian Says 14m Iranians Ready to Sacrifice Lives as War Intensifies
According to media accounts, a preliminary US military inquiry found that an American missile strike hit an elementary school in Iran in February, killing at least 175 people, most of them children. The incident has intensified criticism from lawmakers and human rights advocates.
Further controversy has arisen after President Trump suggested expanding attacks to include civilian infrastructure such as power plants and bridges. Legal experts have warned that targeting such facilities could constitute war crimes under international law.
The regional situation has deteriorated sharply since the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28. Iranian officials say more than 1,300 people have been killed in the strikes, including senior leadership figures such as Ali Khamenei.
Read More: IAEA Chief Warns Strikes Near Iran’s Bushehr Plant Pose Serious Nuclear Risk
In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military bases. It has also disrupted maritime traffic in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, raising global economic and security concerns.
