IRAN: A deadly explosion at a wedding gathering in southern Iran that killed four people and injured at least 68 was likely caused by a direct hit from a US munition, according to weapons experts who reviewed Reuters-verified images and videos.
The blast struck a home in Kuhestak on September 1, the same day the US military carried out strikes in the area targeting Iranian air-defense, radar and communications facilities. Two US officials said American forces had targeted a telecommunications tower about 135 meters from the wedding site.
Three weapons experts assessed that the damage was more consistent with a US air-dropped munition than an Iranian air-defense missile. They also said the evidence did not support the theory that the wedding venue was damaged by a ricochet from the nearby tower strike.
US President JD Vance said Thursday that the United States was investigating the incident, while the US military confirmed it was aware of the reports. Iranian authorities have not publicly established responsibility for the blast.
The incident has renewed concerns over civilian casualties in the conflict, following a February strike on a primary school in Minab that Iranian officials said killed more than 175 children and teachers. Reuters previously reported that an initial US military assessment indicated American forces were likely responsible for that attack.
