Experts dispute US account of deadly Iran sports hall strike in Lamerd
Weapons Experts Challenge US Narrative on Lamerd Attack
On the first day of the war, a deadly strike on Lamerd, a southern Iranian town, sparked debate among specialists. Six experts analyzed video evidence of the attack and independently concluded that the US missile was not the culprit, pointing to differences in the weapon’s physical traits and flight behavior. Iranian officials reported 21 deaths, including four children, in the incident.
Centcom’s Response and Further Controversy
Centcom initially asserted that the strike footage matched an Iranian Hoveyzeh cruise missile, but later contradicted its own claim. The U.S. military command stated,
“US forces do not target civilians, unlike the Iranian regime which has attacked civilian locations in neighboring countries more than 300 times.”
When BBC Verify revisited the case, Centcom reiterated its position, saying it had “nothing to add” to its original denial.
Verified Footage and Technical Analysis
Footage authenticated by BBC Verify showed the munition in action before detonating above a residential area. Experts noted the missile’s length and mid-air explosion, which aligns with the airburst capability of advanced systems like the PrSM. Despite low-resolution video, the mid-air detonation is clearly visible, supporting the theory of a US-made weapon.
Contrasting Missiles: Features and Evidence
Analysts from Janes highlighted key differences between the Hoveyzeh and PrSM.
“The Hoveyzeh’s design includes a belly-mounted turbojet and mid-body wings. These features are visible from any angle, which isn’t apparent in the Lamerd footage,”
said Amael Kotlarski. A McKenzie Intelligence expert added that the missile seen lacked wings or an external engine, with “canard fins” suggesting a PrSM instead.
Minab Strikes and Broader Context
On the same day, nearly 400km east, strikes hit an Iranian school and military base in Minab, killing 168 people. Video analysis indicated a US Tomahawk missile targeted the compound. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the incident was under investigation, reiterating,
“US forces never target civilian targets.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Navy Capt Tim Hawkins stated,
“After reviewing reports, Centcom confirmed the accusations are false. The munition depicted appears twice as long, consistent with the Hoveyzeh’s dimensions.”
Diverging Expert Opinions
Trevor Ball of Bellingcat noted that the missile’s length matches the PrSM more closely than the Hoveyzeh.
“The Hoveyzeh’s silhouette differs, with wings and an engine visible depending on the angle,”
he explained. These observations highlight ongoing disputes over the weapon’s identity, with experts emphasizing distinct visual markers that remain unconfirmed in the footage.
