Iran Accuses US of Targeting Civilian Sports Facility in Lamerd

Iran has accused the United States of conducting an airstrike on a civilian sports facility in Lamerd, resulting in 24 deaths, including children and teenage athletes. The Iranian Foreign Ministry claims the attack occurred during Operation Epic Fury, while US Central Command denies responsibility, attributing the incident to an Iranian missile malfunction. This incident has sparked significant controversy, as it raises questions about the targeting of civilian sites during military operations. The situation remains contentious, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives regarding the missile's origin and the nature of the attack.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 09:07 IST

Allegations of Civilian Casualties in Lamerd

Iran has claimed that the United States conducted an airstrike on a civilian sports facility in Lamerd, a city in the southern region, during the early hours of Operation Epic Fury. Iranian officials assert that this attack resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals, including children and members of a local volleyball team. Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that the strike occurred on February 28, targeting a residential area in Lamerd, located in Fars province. He referenced information from a local parliament member, alleging that American missiles struck a sports hall filled with civilians. “The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 24 lives, including a 2-year-old girl and several teenage volleyball players,” Baghaei remarked, emphasizing that those accountable for the strike should face consequences under international law.

According to Iranian authorities, this incident is part of a broader US-led military operation targeting various sites across Iran on the same day. Tehran claims that the Lamerd strike represents one of the most severe civilian casualties recorded during the initial phase of the operation.

Growing Controversy Surrounding the Attack

Initially, Iranian officials reported that the strike resulted in at least 21 fatalities, but this number was later updated to 24, with approximately 100 others injured. The sports facility was reportedly hosting a women’s volleyball team at the time of the explosion. Reports indicate that several young athletes were among the deceased, along with four children and other civilians present in or around the building. The incident has garnered significant attention as Iranian authorities characterized the site as a civilian sports complex, not a military target, which may lead to increased scrutiny from international organizations monitoring adherence to armed conflict laws.

On the same day, another alleged attack was reported on a school in Minab, prompting Iranian officials to assert that multiple civilian sites were impacted during the first day of Operation Epic Fury.

Dispute Over Missile Responsibility

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has identified the missile purportedly used in the attack as the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a modern ballistic missile developed for the US Army by Lockheed Martin. Iranian officials argue that evidence gathered from the site aligns with characteristics of this missile system. They claim that analyses of video footage, debris, and impact patterns support their assertion that an American missile was responsible for the strike. The PrSM is designed to replace the older ATACMS missile family, offering enhanced range and precision against high-value targets.

In contrast, the United States has dismissed Iran’s claims, with US Central Command denying any involvement in the explosion. They assert that the incident was due to a malfunction of an Iranian missile rather than a US attack. CENTCOM indicated that preliminary assessments pointed to evidence consistent with Iranian weapon systems, although American officials have not publicly shared detailed evidence to substantiate this conclusion. The lack of independently verified information has left the circumstances surrounding the explosion in contention.