U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper ordered an internal investigation of an American airstrike that Iran claims struck a wedding in southern Iran on Tuesday, according to Axios. The review aims to assess the strike's details and the Iranian allegation.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper has ordered an internal review of an American airstrike that Iran claims struck a wedding in the coastal city of Sirik, southern Iran, according to a report by Axios. The order, issued Wednesday, marks the latest step in the U.S. military's evolving response to the allegation, formalizing an investigation beyond earlier examinations.
The story emerged Tuesday evening (Sep 1) with initial reports of explosions in Sirik. An Iranian source alleged that shrapnel from a U.S. strike had hit a wedding venue. Iranian media subsequently reported two civilians killed, then released footage of damage and said the death toll was expected to rise. The Zioneer reported at least five killed and ten wounded. Iran's Foreign Ministry claimed more than 50 casualties, calling it a 'war crime,' while Iranian authorities later updated the toll to five dead and 68 wounded. CENTCOM initially denied that civilians had been targeted. A senior U.S. official then confirmed the military was 'examining' the claims, and Vice President Vance stated the United States was investigating. Axios now reports that Cooper has ordered a formal internal review.
The strikes on Sirik occurred within the context of a sustained CENTCOM air campaign against Iranian military infrastructure, now in its second week. As The Zioneer has previously reported, the campaign has targeted strategic sites in southern Iran, including near Bushehr and Bandar Abbas. CENTCOM has stated the operation aims to degrade Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) capabilities following Iranian provocations.
Details on the scope, timeline, or terms of the internal review have not been disclosed. The casualty figures from the incident remain unverified by independent sources, and U.S. officials have not confirmed civilian deaths. The Iranian claims have fluctuated and have not been corroborated.
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