The U.S. military is investigating reports from Iranian state media that an American missile strike hit a wedding party in southern Iran, killing at least four civilians, including children. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Tim Hawkins stated that the command is aware of the reports and is examining them.
'The US military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps),' Hawkins said in a statement.
Iranian media reported that the wedding was taking place in a family home in the coastal city of Kuhestak, in Sirik County, Hormozgan province. According to the Hormozgan governor's office, the victims were identified as four-year-old Amir Ali Karimi, 16-year-old Mohammad Malahi, and two 43-year-olds, Kolsoum Malahi and Zarkhatoun Taheri. More than 60 people were reportedly wounded in the incident.
Photos circulating in Iranian media depict the aftermath, showing a child with injuries, scattered sandals on a blood-stained carpet, and damage to the building's roof. A local reporter alleged that three missiles were used, with one impacting the roof and creating a significant hole. A woman interviewed at the scene told state-linked media that the house was not near any military installations.
A young man injured in the attack recounted hearing jets overhead before the explosions, stating that many women and children were wounded. Weapons experts, analyzing images of missile fragments reported by Iranian media, suggested they could be from a U.S.-made SLAM-ER cruise missile. Analysts described the SLAM-ER as a precision weapon that can be retargeted in flight by an operator.
This alleged strike follows a previous incident in Minab, also in Hormozgan province, where a girls' school was hit on February 28, resulting in over 150 fatalities, predominantly children.
The reported attack occurs amidst ongoing tensions, with former President Donald Trump having ordered strikes following Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East. A ceasefire deal previously reached in June had faltered. Trump recently stated he would not compel Iran to negotiate, instead urging Iranian citizens to overthrow their government.