Iran has accused the United States of committing a war crime after a missile blast struck near a wedding celebration in the southern province of Hormozgan, killing at least four people and leaving dozens injured. The incident came as renewed military exchanges between Washington and Tehran raised fears of a broader escalation across the Middle East.
Deadly Blast Strikes Wedding Celebration in Southern Iran
Iranian authorities said the incident occurred late Tuesday in Kuhestak, a coastal area in Hormozgan province, where a wedding was being held at a private residence. Reports indicated that shrapnel and debris from a US missile strike hit the area, causing significant casualties.
Among those killed were two minors, while scores of people were injured and taken to hospitals for treatment. Videos and images from the aftermath showed severe damage to the building, including a collapsed roof, shattered windows and debris scattered throughout the site.
Iranian officials strongly condemned the incident, with the country’s foreign ministry describing the reported attack as a war crime and promising a firm response.
US Says Military Strikes Targeted Iranian Assets
The US military denied intentionally targeting civilians. US Central Command said its latest operations focused on Iranian military infrastructure, including air defence positions, radar systems and maritime assets.
American officials said the strikes were linked to efforts to counter alleged Iranian threats to commercial shipping and US personnel in the region.
However, uncertainty remains over exactly how the wedding venue was damaged. It was not immediately clear whether the residence was directly hit or whether debris from a nearby missile strike caused the casualties.
The incident has intensified criticism and renewed concerns about civilian safety during military operations in the region.
Iran and US Exchange New Strikes Across Middle East
The deadly incident came as a fragile period of reduced tensions between Iran and the United States appeared to collapse.
Iran responded to the latest US military action by launching missiles and drones toward American interests and military bases across parts of the Middle East. Reports of attacks and interceptions emerged from several countries in the region.
The growing confrontation has also raised concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. Rising tensions around the waterway have increased fears of potential disruption to global energy supplies and further increases in oil prices.
With both sides signalling the possibility of additional military action, international concerns are growing that the latest exchange could trigger a wider and more prolonged regional conflict.
