U.S. Strikes in Iran Kill 18, Including 4 at Wedding

Renewed U.S. strikes on Iran have killed at least 18 people and wounded more than 100, including casualties at a wedding ceremony, reigniting concerns over the war's civilian toll after a months-long lull in major combat operations. The attacks, which took place on Tuesday night, prompted Iran to launch retaliatory missile and drone strikes against what it described as U.S. assets in several neighboring countries, alarming governments across the Middle East. Iran's health ministry reported that 18 people were killed and 108 wounded in the U.S. strikes across the country. The Iranian Red Crescent Society specified that four people were killed and 67 wounded at a wedding ceremony near the coast of the Strait of Hormuz. The society released video and images showing debris and a damaged building at the site. The U.S. military's Central Command said it was aware of the reports from Iranian state media but stated that U.S. forces do not target civilians. The strikes marked a significant escalation after combat had largely subsided since the previous exchange in July, though peace talks had failed to advance in the interim. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting U.