In brief
The Israeli military claims that Iran has used cluster munitions for the first time in the current conflict, raising concerns over civilian safety and adherence to international agreements.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a dangerous turn as the Israeli military accused Iran of launching a missile armed with cluster munitions on June 19, 2025. This missile, which struck the populated areas of Or Yehuda and surrounding towns in central Israel, marks the first instance of cluster munitions being reportedly employed in the current hostilities. Iranian representatives at the United Nations have chosen not to comment on these claims, leaving the matter unresolved.Cluster munitions, which release multiple smaller bomblets upon impact, are notorious for their indiscriminate harm to civilians. Despite more than 100 countries adopting a ban on their use through a 2008 agreement, both Iran and Israel, along with other global powers, have not signed this treaty. No casualties have been reported from the missile attack, and it remains unclear if there were any injuries.Evidence corroborating Israel’s claims includes videos and images verified by The New York Times, showcasing an unexploded bomblet lodged on the patio of a residential building in Or Yehuda following the missile strike. Experts, like Fabian Hinz from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, pointed out that the munition resembles those seen on Iranian missiles since 2014, suggesting a strategic shift in targeting methods."Given that pinpoint accuracy might not be feasible, using cluster munitions allows for geographic spread, potentially increasing the likelihood of hitting softer targets like air-defense systems,” Mr. Hinz explained in a recent interview. The utilization of such weapons raises critical ethical and legal questions regarding warfare conduct in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the need for international scrutiny and response.
