Ankara: Amid reports of a strike on an Iranian wedding party, US Vice President JD Vance stated Thursday that 'sometimes things happen' in combat while emphasizing that Washington does not target civilians. Vance addressed concerns over the incident, asserting that the US is investigating claims of a US strike on a wedding celebration in Iran, which allegedly resulted in civilian casualties.
According to Anadolu Agency, Vance revealed he had been briefed on the matter but lacked conclusive information regarding US forces' involvement. He expressed skepticism towards Iranian state media reports, questioning their reliability. "What I can say with 100% confidence is that, unlike the IRGC, the United States never targets civilians in combat," he affirmed. Acknowledging the possibility of civilian casualties occurring during military operations, Vance noted, "Unfortunately, obviously, sometimes things happen." He emphasized the US military's commitment to investigating and learning from any mistakes made.
Iranian Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour reported that at least 18 people were killed and 142 injured in recent US airstrikes between August 30 and September 2. The casualties reportedly included individuals in Sirik, Khuzestan, and members of the IRGC Aerospace Force in Kermanshah, along with Basij members on Lavan Island. Kermanpour added that at least 50 people were wounded at a wedding gathering in Sirik, heightening concerns over civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict.
Vance further clarified that the US is not currently negotiating with Tehran and will not consider resuming talks unless Iran ceases attacks on commercial shipping. "The president's been very clear: we're not talking to them, and we're not going to talk to them unless they stop shooting at commercial shipping," Vance stated. He dismissed the idea of a negotiation timetable, suggesting it could enable Iran to continue its attacks while the US strategy remained predictable.
The Vice President highlighted the US's use of military, economic, diplomatic, and other pressures to ensure the safety of commercial vessels and the continued flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the conflict, he claimed approximately 15 million barrels of oil continue to pass through the strait. "The message to the Iranians is simple," Vance remarked. "You've got to stop shooting at commercial shipping."
Vance refrained from commenting on potential direct assistance to Iranian dissidents, indicating that economic, military, diplomatic, and covert measures remain viable options. He stressed the US's broader objectives to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to avert a global energy crisis, contending that American military actions have mitigated the impact of Iran's activities on world energy markets. Vance warned against relying on Tehran for negotiations, underscoring Washington's independent stance.