Iran Accuses US of Bombing Wedding Party in Sirik, Resulting in Casualties

Iran has accused the United States of bombing a house during a wedding celebration in the southern county of Sirik, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a child. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the attack occurred early on Wednesday in the city of Kuhestak. He reported that more than 50 individuals, including women and children, were either killed or wounded. Iran’s Press TV confirmed that at least five people were killed in the incident. Hossein Kermanpour, an official at Iran’s Ministry of Health, noted on X that the casualties included a child and that electricity and telephone services were disrupted. Footage from the Iranian Red Crescent Society depicted a building with significant damage and debris scattered on the ground. The humanitarian group also released images of children receiving medical treatment at a hospital. Reza Shahidiyan, the governor of Sirik county, informed the IRIB state broadcaster that 63 people were wounded, with 50 of the victims being women and children. All injured individuals were transported to a hospital in the nearby city of Minab and were reported to be in stable condition. A child survivor recounted hearing fighter jets before the explosion, describing the incident as intense and resulting in injuries to many civilians. These reports emerged as the US military announced new strikes against Iranian military targets, following attempted attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military stated that it targeted Iranian air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communication sites. The strikes followed a recent exchange of fire and are part of an ongoing standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded since the onset of the US and Israel’s military actions against the country on February 28. Iran’s military claimed to have retaliated by attacking US bases and assets in Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq, with Kuwait reporting interceptions of drones and missiles. Baghaei called for international action, stating, "This cruelty cannot be separated from the chain of atrocities that preceded it," referencing previous attacks in Minab and Lamerd that resulted in significant casualties. He emphasized that Iran would respond firmly to these actions and criticized the silence of governments and international institutions regarding such incidents. Additionally, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported explosions in other coastal cities, including Konarak, Bandar Abbas, Jask, Asaluyeh, and Ahvaz, as well as Qeshm Island.