In brief
The allegation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, as the use of such weapons is subject to international prohibition.
June 19, 2025, 7:25 p.m. ET — Reports emerged today that the Israeli military has accused Iran of deploying a missile armed with cluster munitions in an attack on a populated area of central Israel. This accusation was made public by military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani and represents the first instance of such weaponry being used in the current conflict.The missile reportedly struck Or Yehuda and nearby towns; however, thankfully, there were no immediate reports of casualties. The Iranian mission to the United Nations has yet to address these allegations, which suggests a potential diplomatic standoff on the matter. Cluster munitions, notorious for their capacity to inflict indiscriminate casualties, are notable for being banned by over 100 nations under a 2008 agreement, though not by either Iran or Israel. Major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, have also opted not to endorse this ban. Verified videos and photographs released by media outlets showed remnants of an unexploded bomblet located on the patio of an apartment building in Or Yehuda, following the missile attack. Experts like Fabian Hinz from the International Institute for Strategic Studies discussed the nature of this munition, indicating that it likely resembles submunitions used in Iranian ballistic missiles since 2014. "In scenarios where pinpoint accuracy may not be fully achievable, using a missile that covers a wider area can significantly increase the likelihood of hitting softer targets, like air-defense systems," Hinz explained, highlighting the tactical considerations behind such missile strikes. The implications of this incident could potentially escalate tensions in an already volatile region, fostering fears of a broader conflict.
