U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated the U.S. is investigating an airstrike that Iran claims hit a wedding party. He reiterated that the U.S. will not engage in talks with Iran until Tehran halts attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. stance signals continued military pressure on Iran unless maritime attacks cease, while also investigating a reported civilian casualty incident, highlighting the complex and tense geopolitical situation in the region.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States will not hold talks with Iran unless Tehran ceases its attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Vance emphasized that Iran must stop these actions, describing the situation as simple. He warned that if Iran continues to shoot at ships, the U.S. would respond "harder than ever before" to protect freedom of navigation and energy flows, alleging Iran resumed attacks despite agreeing to stop. CENTCOM confirmed that U.S. forces had started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade its ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, holding Iran accountable for recent aggression. These strikes followed a previous operation where CENTCOM hit more than 80 targets in response to alleged Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. Vance is also heading overseas for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Iran, tasked by President Donald Trump to find a resolution. Vance told reporters that if Iran is willing to negotiate in good faith, the U.S. is willing to extend an open hand, but warned against attempts to "play" the U.S. The trip comes as a temporary ceasefire appears to be on the verge of collapse. Separately, Vance said the U.S. is investigating an airstrike that Iran claims struck a wedding party, stating the U.S. military "never targets civilians."