TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Chuck Schumer, stated that Americans do not want war in the Middle East. He demanded clear answers from President Donald Trump's administration as the number of casualties for U.S. troops continues to rise.
In his speech in the Senate on Wednesday, as quoted by Anadolu, Schumer stated that since February 28, 140 American military personnel have been injured, including eight seriously. Meanwhile, eight others have died while carrying out their duties.
Schumer also mentioned the thousands of casualties of Iranian civilians and others in the Middle East, including 175 people at a girls' elementary school, mostly children aged 7-12.
"That initial report suggested may have been the result of U.S. operations," he said, demanding a "full, transparent and independent" investigation into the incident at the school and why so many civilians were killed.
The Democratic Senator from New York said that the number of casualties continues to rise, combined with increasing domestic tensions and economic concerns, which have made the American public question the purpose of the conflict.
"Through all this change, all this chaos, higher gas prices, rising casualties, increased hostilities, Americans are asking a very simple question: Why? Why is America at war? Americans certainly don't want war. Americans didn't ask for this," he emphasized.
The American People Deserve Answers
Schumer accused President Donald Trump of offering ever-changing explanations in the war against Iran.
"First, it was regime change, then it was about Iran’s nuclear program. Then it was to get rid of Iran’s navy. Then it was regime change again. Then they say it’s defensive. Depending on who you ask, we’re either near the end of the war or we’re just getting started," he criticized.
He also criticized the White House's conflicting messages about the direction of the conflict.
"And if you ask Donald Trump if we’re at the end of the war or the beginning, he says it’s both," Schumer said. "This insanity must stop."
Schumer said the Senate should hold open hearings with the public to question senior government officials about the strategy and objectives of the war.
He forcefully urged officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, to testify before lawmakers under oath.
"The American people deserve answers," he added.
Read: US Vetoes Russia's UNSC Resolution Calling for Iran Ceasefire
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