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U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism about reports that a U.S. military strike killed four Iranian civilians at a wedding party. At Thursday's (September 3) White House press briefing, Vance addressed the reports, which originated from Iranian state media, and stated that these sources have not been reliable in the past. He emphasized that the deaths had not been confirmed by international humanitarian organizations.
Vance stated, "What I can say with 100% confidence is that, unlike the IRGC, the United States never targets civilians in combat." He acknowledged, however, that civilian casualties can occur during military operations, saying, "Unfortunately, obviously, sometimes things happen." He assured that the U.S. investigates any mistakes made during operations and learns from them.
The Iranian Health Ministry reported that at least 18 people were killed and 142 injured in recent U.S. airstrikes between August 30 and September 2. Among the casualties were four people in Sirik, seven in Khuzestan, four members of the IRGC Aerospace Force in Kermanshah, and three Basij members on Lavan Island. Additionally, 50 people were reportedly wounded at a wedding gathering in Sirik.
Vance clarified that Washington is not negotiating with Tehran and will not resume talks unless Iran ceases attacks on commercial shipping. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, where about 15 million barrels of oil pass despite the conflict. Vance stated, "The message to the Iranians is simple: You’ve got to stop shooting at commercial shipping."
The U.S. aims to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to avoid a global energy crisis. Vance indicated that military, economic, diplomatic, and covert measures are among the options available to the administration in dealing with Iran.