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Senators seek answers after reports of strikes on civilian desalination plants; DOD pledges follow-up
Summary
Lawmakers questioned the Pentagon about reported damage to desalination plants and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pressing for confirmation of civilian impacts and explanations of targeting processes; military witnesses said they would review reports and respond.
Senators raised concerns about reported damage to civilian infrastructure in the Iran campaign, including allegations that a desalination plant serving roughly 10,000 people and another on Qeshm Island were hit. Senator Merkley and Senator Reid asked General Dan Kane whether those strikes were deliberate and whether the military's targeting process adequately protects civilian infrastructure.
General Kane said he was not aware of those reported strikes as deliberate U.S. targets and that he would have to follow up with specific queries to CENTCOM and civilian leadership. "I'm not aware of those as being particular targets, nor am I aware of those reports, and I'll have to go back and get back to you on that," he said. Senators pressed whether the United States had a process to avoid striking infrastructure necessary for civilian survival and asked for documentation of any assessments.
Separately, members discussed the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz and whether Iran's actions had effectively closed or slowed commercial shipping. Secretary Hegseth argued the U.S. and partners had maintained mechanisms to move oil while applying pressure on Iran, and described enforcement steps the department had taken to protect shipping. Lawmakers asked the department to provide written briefings about reported civilian impacts and the status of commercial traffic through the strait.
