JD Vance Denies Reports of Civilian Deaths in Iran Strike

Vice President JD Vance dismissed reports that a U.S. airstrike killed four people, including a child, during a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent reported that shrapnel from a U.S. missile strike hit a residential home during the event, wounding more than 50 others.

Vance stated that the United States never targets civilians in combat, though he acknowledged that sometimes things happen and confirmed the U.S. is investigating the incident. The strike was part of a Tuesday night operation by U.S. Central Command targeting Iranian radar, air defense, and maritime assets.

This incident follows a February attack in Minab that killed at least 156 people, primarily schoolchildren, due to a targeting error. The broader seven-month conflict has resulted in the deaths of 18 U.S. service members. Vance claimed the current situation is not a war, a characterization that drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers.