At least four people, including a child, were killed and more than 60 injured when a strike hit a wedding gathering in Kuhestak, a predominantly Baloch city in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province, at about 9.30pm on 1 September.
The coastal town lies on the strait of Hormuz. Residents and relatives said the blast damaged several homes and turned the start of the celebrations into a scene of mourning.
A family celebration became a mass casualty scene
The house was identified by Iranian state media and local residents as belonging to Ali Mallahi, a fisher celebrating his daughter’s wedding. Guests were waiting for the bride and groom, and many had yet to arrive for the henna ceremony when the blast struck.
Videos shared by relatives and friends showed rubble, flower garlands, wedding decorations and bloodied shoes among the debris. Residents said neighbouring homes were also damaged and that people nearby were hit by sharp objects during the explosions. For additional context, see “Four killed and 68 injured in Iran wedding blast”.
What we know now
- At least six injured people remained in serious condition in intensive care, according to Moein Arjomand of the Balochistan Human Rights Documentation Network.
- The injured were taken to a hospital in Minab, about 30km away, because the local clinic was not equipped to handle casualties of this scale.
- Those identified among the dead included four-year-old Amir Mohammad Karimi, 16-year-old Mohammad Mallahi and 22-year-old Asiyeh Molainejad.
Residents face mourning and unanswered questions
US vice-president JD Vance said the United States would not target civilians in combat but that “sometimes things happen”. He also said he was sceptical of Iranian reports about the incident.
Moein Arjomand said internet restrictions and apparent warnings against speaking to foreign rights groups and media were making it difficult for local responders to investigate. Relatives and activists have nevertheless continued posting videos from the aftermath. A related part of this story is covered in “What is really moving through the Strait of Hormuz?”.
The deaths have intensified anger among some Baloch residents and activists, who say civilians along the Makran coast are being caught in conflicts beyond their control. Local witnesses described the community as grieving while injured people remained in hospital.
What happens next
Arjomand said at least six injured people remained in intensive care, while residents continued holding funerals for those killed. The development of this issue can be followed in “Why the Strait of Hormuz crisis is reshaping global shipping”.
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