US Investigates Deadly Strike on Iranian Wedding

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington is investigating a deadly strike on an Iranian wedding after a Reuters analysis indicated the incident was likely caused by a direct hit from a U.S. munition.

The explosion struck a home hosting a wedding celebration in southern Iran on Tuesday. Iranian state television reported Thursday that a 22-year-old woman had died from her injuries, raising the reported death toll to five. Nearly 70 people were wounded, according to Iranian officials.

“We’re investigating it because obviously we care. We want to know,” Vance told reporters Thursday. He added that when the U.S. military makes mistakes, it seeks to learn from them.

The U.S. military said it was aware of reports from Iran but stressed that American forces “never target civilians.” Washington has not accepted responsibility for the wedding strike.

A U.S. official said investigators were considering several possibilities, including a direct American strike, a ricocheting Iranian air-defense missile or an errant interceptor.

However, four military weapons experts who examined verified images and video provided by Reuters said the damage appeared consistent with a direct hit rather than secondary damage from another munition. Three experts said the weapon was likely American, while one suggested it may have missed its intended target.

Mourners gathered Thursday near Kuhestak village in Sirik County, along Iran’s Strait of Hormuz coast, for the funerals of four victims. Among those killed was a 4-year-old child, according to Iranian media.

The incident occurred during a sharp escalation in the U.S.-Iran war. Washington launched airstrikes Tuesday against what it described as Iranian military targets along the coast, retaliating for attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said 18 people were killed in the broader U.S. assault.

Tehran responded Wednesday with attacks targeting U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted incoming missiles and drones.

The renewed fighting has also rattled energy markets, pushing Brent crude futures above $96 per barrel on Thursday. By later Thursday, however, the latest escalation appeared to ease, with no additional major attacks reported by either side.