Iran Says U.S. Strike Hit Wedding in Kuhestak

Iran says a U.S. airstrike on September 1 in southern Iran hit a wedding in Kuhestak, killing at least four to five people and injuring dozens, prompting funerals and renewed international concern about civilian casualties. Weapons experts who reviewed Reuters-verified images and video said the damage was consistent with a direct hit by a U.S. munition rather than an Iranian missile ricochet, though the U.S. has not accepted responsibility. U.S. Central Command is conducting an internal review, including examining scenarios and footage from drones used during the strike, as Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. is investigating because it “cares” and would learn from any mistakes. Iran’s leadership, including Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi, vowed revenge and called the incident a war crime, while U.S. officials reiterated they do not target civilians. Iranian retaliation rhetoric and vows come amid wider U.S.-Iran escalation tied to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington signaling it will not negotiate while vessel attacks continue.