Updated

In a major flare-up between Washington and Tehran, US forces carried out extensive strikes across southern Iran on Tuesday, September 1, including a strike that reportedly hit a wedding celebration, killing at least 18-19 people (including women and children) and wounding dozens. President Trump threatened further attacks on Iran, escalating rhetoric amid the ongoing military exchange. On Thursday, September 3, US Vice President JD Vance told reporters at the White House that the US is investigating the reported strike on the Iranian wedding "very fully," while insisting there is no ongoing "war" with Iran. His remarks came as scrutiny grows over civilian casualties from the strike and pressure mounts on the administration to clarify the scope and legal basis of its military campaign against Iran.