The United States is investigating a deadly strike that hit a wedding gathering in southern Iran, as a Reuters analysis by weapons experts indicates that the blast was likely caused by a direct hit from a US munition rather than a ricochet from another target.

The attack took place on Tuesday in the town of Kuhestak in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province, near the Strait of Hormuz, as US forces carried out a wave of strikes against what Washington described as military targets along Iran’s coast.

Iranian officials initially reported that four people were killed and nearly 70 wounded. On Thursday, Iranian state television reported that a 22-year-old woman had died in hospital, bringing the reported death toll from the wedding strike to five. Among those killed were two women and two children, including a four-year-old boy, according to Iranian authorities.

US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Washington was investigating the incident.

“We’re investigating it because obviously we care. We want to know,” Vance told reporters on Thursday. He added that if US forces had made a mistake, the military would seek to learn from it and improve its operations.

The US military has not accepted responsibility for the strike. US Central Command said it was aware of reports concerning the wedding but maintained that American forces “never target civilians.” A US official, speaking anonymously, said several possibilities were being examined, including whether the casualties resulted from a US strike, a ricochet involving an Iranian air-defence missile or an errant interceptor.

However, an examination of photographs and videos verified by Reuters and reviewed by four weapons experts points towards a direct impact. Three of the experts assessed that the munition was likely American rather than an Iranian air-defence missile. One expert suggested that the weapon may have missed its intended target.

The incident occurred as the US military conducted strikes against Iranian military and communications facilities along the southern coast. US officials said the operations were launched in response to Iranian attacks involving shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Red Crescent has called for an independent investigation by the International Criminal Court, arguing that the attack struck a civilian location and could raise serious questions under international humanitarian law. Iran has also urged the UN Security Council to condemn the strike.

Funerals held as questions grow over civilian casualties

Funeral ceremonies for the victims were held on Thursday in Kuhestak, with mourners gathering to pay tribute to those killed.

The deaths have intensified scrutiny of the civilian toll of the escalating US-Iran conflict. The wedding strike is also drawing comparisons with another deadly incident earlier this year, when a missile destroyed a primary school in Minab. Iranian authorities said more than 175 children and teachers were killed in that attack, while an initial US military investigation reportedly concluded that US forces were likely responsible. The Pentagon has not publicly released the findings.

The latest incident comes amid a wider escalation between Washington and Tehran. Iran reported 18 deaths in the latest US assault and subsequently launched attacks against US military positions in Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait said its air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones.

The escalation has also affected global energy markets, with Brent crude rising above $96 a barrel on Thursday, according to Reuters, as concerns over the conflict and the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continue to weigh on markets.

The US investigation is now expected to determine whether an American weapon caused the deaths at the wedding and, if so, whether the strike resulted from an intelligence, targeting or operational error. The findings could add further pressure on Washington over civilian casualties as the conflict enters another dangerous phase. (ILKHA)