Iran has accused the United States of committing a “war crime” after a US strike reportedly hit a residential building where a wedding celebration was taking place in southern Iran. Iranian authorities said at least four people were killed, including children, while dozens more were injured in the attack in Kuhestak, in Sirik County, Hormozgan province.
The incident occurred amid renewed fighting between the United States and Iran, with American forces carrying out strikes against Iranian targets and Tehran responding with attacks on US positions in the region. The escalation has raised fresh concerns about civilian safety as military operations continue around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials said the strike struck a home during a wedding gathering and described the victims as civilians. Images released by the Iranian Red Crescent showed damage to the building and injured people, including children. The organisation has called for an independent investigation and appealed to the International Criminal Court for legal action.
The United States, however, has denied deliberately targeting civilians. US Central Command said American forces do not target civilians and indicated that reports of civilian deaths were being examined. US officials have maintained that their military operations are directed at military and strategic targets rather than civilian gatherings.
The exact circumstances surrounding the strike remain disputed. Reports indicate that a communications facility near the residential area was also hit, while weapons experts examining debris have identified fragments consistent with a US-made precision missile. Further investigation will be needed to determine the intended target and whether the attack violated international humanitarian law.
The deaths have intensified already severe tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran has vowed a strong response, while continued military exchanges threaten to widen the conflict and increase civilian casualties across the region.
