WATCH: Sen. Merkley asks Gen. Caine about reports of U.S. strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., asked Gen. Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff chair, whether the U.S. military had deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure in Iran. He cited reports that the U.S. airstrikes hit a desalination plant, cutting off water supplies to more than 10,000 people.

“You are aware that infrastructure that civilians rely on to survive is not generally considered legitimate military targets,” Merkley said.

Caine said he was not aware of the desalination plants Merkley mentioned being targets nor was he aware of reports that they had been struck. He added that he has “trust and confidence” in the U.S. Central Command’s “robust process” when considering a military target.

“It sounds like you are assuring us that we will, the United States, not target -- even in a retaliatory sense -- infrastructure that's generally considered to be primarily for civilian survival,” Merkley said.

Caine once again cited the “robust process” before Merkley interrupted him.

“It would just be nice to have you say ‘yes’ because this is international law,” Merkley said.

Caine, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified Tuesday before the Senate Appropriations Committee about the Trump administration’s $87.6 billion supplemental funding request, the bulk of which would be used for the U.S.war with Iran.

Their appearance before Senate lawmakers comes after the U.S. rolled out its 10th consecutive night of strikes against Iran. At least three American service members have been killed in recent days. As war between the two nations intensifies, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, forcing U.S. gas prices to jump again.

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