United States Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism regarding reports of a US attack on a wedding party in the Iranian town of Kuhestak on September 4, 2026, stating he does not trust Iran's narrative. He remarked, "Sometimes, things happen," during a White House news briefing two days after the incident, while asserting that the US "never targets civilians in combat" and that an investigation would be conducted.
A missile attack reportedly struck a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, Hormozgan, on the night of September 4, killing four individuals—two women and two children—and injuring 67, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The Hormozgan governor's office identified the deceased as Amir Ali Karimi, 4; Mohammad Malahi, 16; Kolsoum Malahi, 43; and Zarkhatoun Taheri, 43. The Iranian Red Crescent documented the incident and sought legal action against the perpetrators of the attack.
Footage from the scene showed damage to a telecommunications tower, with local reports suggesting the use of drones. Defense experts indicated that fragments of shrapnel found at the site may belong to the AGM-84K SLAM-ER, a precision-guided missile manufactured by Boeing.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes as part of a "catalogue of atrocities against the nation of Iran" by the US. The US has initiated an investigation into the incident. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM), acknowledged awareness of the reports of civilian casualties and stated that the US military never targets civilians, contrasting this with the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Vance reiterated his skepticism of the reports, stating that Iranian state media is not a reliable source. He emphasized that the US does not target civilians in combat, despite the documented nature of the attack by the Iranian Red Crescent Society. He remarked, "Unfortunately, obviously, sometimes things happen."
This incident is not isolated; the US government has a history of questioning reports of civilian harm during military operations. For instance, after a strike on a girls' school in Iran's Minab in February 2026, initial claims pointed to Iranian responsibility, but subsequent investigations indicated US involvement. The US has also acknowledged civilian casualties in past operations in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Emily Tripp, executive director of Airwars, criticized Vance's comments, suggesting they reflect a tendency to treat civilian harm as a public relations issue rather than a serious concern. She noted that the process for civilians seeking acknowledgment and justice is fraught with challenges and skepticism from officials.