Iran war escalation raises concern over civilian death toll
The sudden recent escalation of the Iran war has cast renewed attention on its civilian toll after Iran reported 18 dead in the last U.S. assault, including four killed and dozens wounded at a wedding.
The recent escalation of the Iran war has raised concerns over the civilian death toll, with Iran reporting 18 dead and dozens wounded in a U.S. assault on a wedding ceremony near the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Red Crescent Society confirmed four fatalities and 67 injuries in the attack, adding to the 3,636 documented deaths in Iran since April 7, of which 1,701 were civilians.
U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the war's unpopularity at home and its impact on gasoline prices, threatened further military force, while White House officials may consider ramping up action post-November's midterm elections to avoid Republican losses. Iran, however, remains defiant despite heavy military and economic losses.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties and called for a halt to military action, emphasizing respect for international humanitarian law. The U.S. has reported 18 military personnel killed and over 750 wounded. Satellite imagery verified the location of a damaged building with a large hole in the roof near the coast of the Strait of Hormuz, corroborated by the Iranian Red Crescent Society's video.
The U.S. military never targets civilians, according to a spokesperson. The U.S. and Iran's war has resulted in civilian deaths from their attempts to quell protests, with estimates ranging from over 7,000 to much higher figures by Iranian exile groups. The U.S. defends the war by citing Iran's actions against protesters and its pursuit of a nuclear program and support for militant groups.
Iran has threatened oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries 20% of the world's oil supply, in response to the U.S. attacks.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
