According to Iranian state TV and the Iranian Red Crescent, 18 people were killed and 108 others were wounded in American airstrikes that struck a wedding ceremony in the village of Kuhestak, located in the Sirik district, on Tuesday, September 2, 2026. Several children are among the casualties, triggering strong accusations of war crimes from Iranian officials as the ongoing Middle East conflict escalates.
Casualties in Sirik District and Iranian War Crime Accusations
The airstrike hit a wedding gathering in Kuhestak, drawing sharp condemnation from Tehran. According to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated on X that the operation exposed an illegal war and amounted to a war crime designed to mask US military setbacks. Iranian state television confirmed the death toll of 18 alongside 108 injuries.
In contrast, US Central Command (Centcom) defended the broader operation, with a military spokesperson stating that American forces “never target civilians.” Centcom reported that the strikes initiated at 12:00 ET (18:00 Norwegian time) on Tuesday were directed against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) assets in response to ongoing maritime threats.
US Military Strikes and Response in the Hormuz Strait
The escalation follows a series of maritime skirmishes in and around the Hormuz Strait. According to Centcom, the strikes were launched to counter IRGC attempts to target commercial shipping lanes and deployed American personnel. Just days prior, on Sunday evening, US forces struck Iranian missile launcher ramps on Larak Island in the Hormuz Strait, an operation that resulted in two reported deaths and multiple injuries.
That Sunday operation marked the first direct US military strike inside Iran since July 29, 2026. The previous engagement was triggered when Revolutionary Guard personnel were observed preparing to launch sea-mine-carrying missiles into the vital shipping channel. Prior to the conflict, approximately one-fifth of the world’s global oil supply was transported through the Hormuz Strait.
Did you know? Before the conflict disrupted regional trade, the Hormuz Strait served as a critical global choke point, handling roughly 20 percent of the world’s maritime oil transport before Iran instituted its ongoing port blockades.
Regional Escalation and Donald Trump’s Statements
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the military actions forcefully via Truth Social, warning that any Iranian retaliation would be met with overwhelming force. According to Trump, future strikes would occur at a much harsher level, leaving very little remaining of the Islamic Republic.
Speaking to journalists, Trump characterized Iran as a struggling nation following months of bombardments that have degraded its military capabilities and political leadership. Despite the heavy pressure, the status quo persists after six months of sustained warfare. Iran continues to block the Hormuz Strait while maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports, and Tehran has retaliated by striking American assets in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the airstrike on the wedding ceremony occur?
According to Iranian state TV, the airstrike in Kuhestak, Sirik district, took place on Tuesday, September 2, 2026.
How many casualties were reported from the strike?
According to Iranian officials, 18 people were killed and 108 others were wounded, with several children among the victims.
What triggered the renewed US military operations?
According to Centcom, the strikes were launched in response to IRGC attempts to attack commercial shipping in the Hormuz Strait and deployed US personnel.
What is the current status of the Hormuz Strait?
The Hormuz Strait remains closed by Iran following six months of active conflict, while the US maintains a blockade against Iranian ports.
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