JD Vance Addresses Civilian Casualties in Iran Airstrike with Skepticism

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that “sometimes things happen” during a White House press briefing when questioned about the potential U.S. involvement in an airstrike that killed four individuals, including a child, at a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, Sirik county, southern Iran.

The casualty report was provided by the Iranian Red Crescent, an internationally recognized humanitarian organization operating independently of Tehran.

Vance expressed skepticism regarding Iranian state media reports, stating they have not accurately covered the conflict’s developments.

He emphasized, “Unlike the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the United States never targets civilians in combat. We never will do that, we never have done that, and unfortunately, obviously, sometimes things happen.”

The U.S. is investigating the specific strike, with Vance noting the administration learns from its mistakes.

He characterized the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has resulted in 18 American fatalities, as not constituting a “war,” a claim met with criticism from Democrats and political opponents.

California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna called Vance’s remarks “gaslighting,” asserting, “This is a war. Donald Trump understands it’s a war.”

Earlier, Donald Trump claimed the U.S. possesses “virtually unlimited” munitions and labeled journalists reporting on Pentagon stock shortages as “treasonous SCUM” on social media.

The incident underscores regional tensions following recent U.S.-Iran military exchanges, with Centcom confirming strikes targeted Iranian defense infrastructure but not specifying if the wedding venue was intentional.

The Iranian Red Crescent reported shrapnel from U.S. missiles struck a residential building where the wedding was held, causing over 50 injuries. Independent observers have corroborated Iranian government estimates of thousands of casualties from previous U.S. and Israeli strikes.

This follows a February 28 airstrike near Minab, which killed at least 156 people, including many children. A preliminary U.S. military investigation cited targeting errors, though a full report remains unreleased.

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