The United States is investigating a deadly strike that hit a wedding gathering in southern Iran after weapons experts concluded that the damage was likely caused by a direct hit from a U.S. munition. The incident has intensified scrutiny of American military operations in Iran and raised fresh concerns about civilian casualties amid the ongoing conflict.
The explosion struck a home during a wedding celebration in the village of Kuhestak in Sirik County on Tuesday. Iranian authorities reported that at least five people were killed, including a four-year-old child, while nearly 70 others were wounded. The reported death toll increased after a 22-year-old woman died in hospital from injuries sustained in the attack.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was investigating the incident and emphasized that the United States wants to establish what happened.
The U.S. military has not acknowledged responsibility for the strike. Officials said the military does not target civilians and is examining several possible explanations for the explosion.
One possibility under consideration is that the casualties resulted from a U.S. strike. Other scenarios include an Iranian air-defense missile ricocheting from another target or an interceptor going astray.
However, a Reuters analysis of verified photographs and videos provided a different indication. Four weapons experts who reviewed the available evidence said the damage appeared consistent with a direct impact rather than secondary damage from a munition that had struck another target first. Three of the experts said the weapon was likely American rather than an Iranian air-defense missile.