On June 19, Iran fired a missile at Israel. But this wasn’t just any missile—it carried a cluster bomb, a weapon designed to cause maximum damage over a wide area. This marks the first confirmed use of such a weapon by Iran in the ongoing conflict, and it’s raising alarm across the region.
What Is a Cluster Bomb?
A cluster bomb is a weapon that doesn’t explode in one place. Instead, it opens mid-air and releases many smaller bombs—called submunitions—over a wide area. In Iran’s attack, the missile exploded 7 kilometers above central Israel, dropping about 20 submunitions across an 8-kilometer stretch.
These submunitions are not guided. They simply fall and are meant to explode when they hit the ground. But here’s the problem: many don’t explode right away.
הבוקר חווינו פגיעה של טיל בעל יכולת פיזור של חימושים קטנים המתפזרים בשטח רחב יחסית.
יתכן שחלק מהחימושים יישארו על הקרקע ולא יתפוצצו.
לא נוגעים בנפלים או בחפץ חשוד, מיד מתקשרים 100. pic.twitter.com/5zzBW72Oww
— פיקוד העורף (@PikudHaoref1) June 19, 2025
Why Are Cluster Bombs Controversial?
The danger doesn’t end when the attack is over. Cluster bombs often leave behind unexploded ordnance. These are basically landmines waiting to go off. Kids, farmers, or anyone just walking around could step on them days, weeks, or even years later.
According to Daryl Kimball, head of the Arms Control Association, “They are egregious weapons… especially if used in a civilian populated area.” He’s not wrong. They’re messy, unpredictable, and brutal.
Damage from the June 19 Strike
One of the bombs from the Iranian missile hit a house in Azor, a town in central Israel. There were no deaths, but the damage was real. The Israeli military warned people not to touch any unknown objects on the ground, fearing more submunitions might still be there.
Also Read ‘The Cowardly Iranian Dictator…’: Israel Vows Ruthless Payback After Hospital Strike
How They Differ From Traditional Missiles
A normal missile hits one target. A cluster bomb hits many. Each submunition might not be powerful on its own, but together, they create chaos across a wide area. That’s why these weapons are especially dangerous in places where civilians live.
Are Cluster Bombs Legal?
Not really—but it’s complicated. The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions bans their use, production, and sale. Over 100 countries have signed the treaty. But Iran, Israel, the US, and Russia haven’t.
Yes, even the US has used them. In 2023, it sent cluster munitions to Ukraine. And Russia has reportedly used them too in the ongoing war. The big powers are clearly not following the same rules.
The use of a cluster bomb by Iran adds a dark twist to the conflict. These weapons don’t just attack militaries—they threaten everyone nearby, even after the fighting ends. And unless more countries join the treaty, the risk to civilians will only grow.
Also Read Oil Prices Rise 4% This Week Amid Israel-Iran War Fears; Trump’s Next Move in Focus
