Iran hits US military targets in the region as Washington probes deadly wedding strike

The US and Iran are experiencing escalating tensions amid a conflict in the Middle East. A deadly strike on an Iranian wedding earlier in the week is being investigated by the US, with an analysis suggesting it was likely caused by a direct hit from a US munition. According to Iranian state television, a 22-year-old woman died in hospital, bringing the total reported death toll to five, with nearly 70 wounded.

The incident occurred in the village of Kuhestak in Sirik County, along a stretch of the Strait of Hormuz coast that was hit by heavy US airstrikes. US Vice President JD Vance said the administration is looking into the incident, stating "We're investigating it because obviously we care. We want to know." The US has not accepted responsibility for the incident.

Oil prices have spiked due to the renewed fighting, with Iran maintaining a stranglehold over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, responsible for roughly 20% of global oil shipping. Vance also mentioned that the administration has a range of options to deal with Iran, including economic, military, diplomatic, and covert measures, but did not disclose specific plans.

Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews, Gulf News, Daily Maverick, South China Morning Post — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.