Iran's health minister announced that 18 people were killed and 108 wounded in the latest round of U.S. military strikes, which took place Tuesday night into Wednesday. According to Iranian Red Crescent reports, four of the fatalities and 67 of the injured were struck during a wedding celebration near the Strait of Hormuz coast.
The strikes bring Iran's total reported casualties to 3,636 dead, including 1,701 civilians, according to official Iranian figures. U.S. Central Command has acknowledged 18 American military personnel killed and over 750 wounded throughout the conflict.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, responded to Iranian reports by stating: "We are aware of the reports, which originate from Iranian state media. The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the Revolutionary Guards."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed "deep concern" over the reports. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the secretary-general is "deeply troubled by reports of civilian casualties, including a strike reportedly hitting a wedding in Iran." He added that Guterres "condemns all attacks against civilians" and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
Iran has responded to the strikes by launching missile and drone attacks against American targets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq, while threatening to target oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has threatened additional military force, though advisers are reportedly urging restraint to avoid sharp escalation ahead of midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026.
