According to AFP and Al Arabiya, Iran accused the United States on September 4, 2026, of launching an airstrike on a wedding party in the coastal city of Kuhestak along the Strait of Hormuz, killing at least four people and injuring 68 others. Central Command stated that the American military never targets civilians.
Iranian Allegations and Official Responses
According to state media reports cited by AFP and Al Arabiya, the strike hit a wedding celebration on Tuesday night, killing four individuals—including a child—and wounding 68 others. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Ahmad Vahidi condemned the attack in a televised statement. “Darah murni para martir ini… tidak akan dibiarkan begitu saja dan pasti akan dibalas,” Vahidi stated, promising retaliation for the casualties.
Suara.com reported that the strike occurred in the district of Sirik within Hormozgan province, with local officials initially placing the injured toll at 50 alongside four fatalities. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on X that more than 50 people were killed or wounded in what he described as a residential home hosting a wedding ceremony in Sirik. Baqaei criticized international organizations for remaining silent on the civilian casualties, warning that such passivity risks expanding the conflict across the Middle East.
U.S. Investigation and Military Context
Vice President JD Vance stated on September 3, 2026, that Washington is actively investigating reports of the strike. Vance expressed strong skepticism regarding the Iranian government’s claims, noting he had received briefing updates but lacked definitive information confirming U.S. forces were responsible.
“Hal yang dapat saya katakan dengan keyakinan 100 persen adalah, tidak seperti IRGC, Amerika Serikat tidak pernah menargetkan warga sipil dalam pertempuran,” Vance said. While maintaining that American forces never target civilians, Vance acknowledged that civilian casualties can occasionally occur during military operations. Central Command (CENTCOM) similarly affirmed that the U.S. military does not target non-combatants.
Broader Conflict Along the Strait of Hormuz
The incident unfolds amid an ongoing war that began on February 28, 2026, following a joint U.S. and Israel military offensive that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Although an April ceasefire paused intensive bombardments, sporadic firefights have persisted near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to regional reporting, U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on August 30, 2026, to prevent maritime mining operations. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. positions in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Suara.com noted that recent operations by CENTCOM also impacted air transport infrastructure in Kerman province, including Jiroft Airport, as the conflict continues to test diplomatic boundaries in the region.
Call to Action: Stay informed on shifting geopolitical developments in the Middle East by subscribing to our newsletter or exploring our latest reporting on international defense strategy.
Keep reading