On March 5, a post appeared on the X (formerly Twitter) account associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Following reports of his death in an Israeli airstrike on February 28, the account is believed to be managed by his staff. The post featured a dramatic image of a large missile tearing through the sky toward a burning city below, captioned: “The moments of Khorramshahr are approaching.”
The reference is believed to point to the Khorramshahr ballistic missile, one of Iran’s most advanced systems. Analysts suggest it is capable of carrying a cluster warhead, which can split mid-air into dozens of smaller submunitions—potentially up to 80—spreading destruction over a wide area.
Growing Threat Perception in Israel
Following the post, Israeli defense assessments have increasingly classified this missile as a major threat. Despite having one of the world’s most sophisticated multi-layered air defense systems, including Iron Dome, Israel is facing growing challenges in intercepting such weapons.
Recent incidents have intensified these concerns. On Sunday, a ballistic missile launched from Iran struck central Israel using cluster munitions, injuring at least 15 people. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), nearly half of the missiles launched by Iran since the conflict began have carried cluster warheads.
A report by The Guardian indicates that since the war began on February 28, at least 19 cluster-capable ballistic missiles have penetrated Israeli airspace and struck populated areas, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more. This marks a significant shift in Iran’s military strategy.
Why Cluster Weapons Are Difficult to Stop
Cluster munitions are particularly challenging to intercept. Missile defense expert Tal Inbar explains that intercepting a single missile is far easier than dealing with one that disperses multiple submunitions mid-air. To effectively neutralize the threat, the missile must be destroyed before it splits.
Once released, the smaller bombs spread across a wide area, and many do not explode immediately—posing long-term risks to civilians. Bomb disposal teams are often required to locate and safely detonate unexploded remnants.
Experts emphasize that the best defense is to intercept these missiles outside the atmosphere whenever possible. Once the submunitions are released, even the most advanced systems struggle to stop them.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Cluster bombs are widely criticized under international humanitarian law due to their indiscriminate nature. The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions bans their use among signatory countries, although neither Iran nor Israel has signed the agreement.
Human rights organization Amnesty International previously condemned Iran’s use of cluster munitions as a “serious violation” of international law. Similarly, Israel has faced criticism for its use of such weapons in past conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon war.
Psychological and Economic Impact
Videos circulating online since early March show the night skies over Tel Aviv lit up with dozens of glowing submunitions descending simultaneously—an image that has become a symbol of fear among civilians.
In one attack on March 18, a 70-year-old couple was killed in Ramat Gan, while a 30-year-old Thai worker died in another strike in central Israel. Continuous air raid sirens have forced civilians into shelters repeatedly, creating widespread psychological stress and fatigue.
Beyond the human toll, there is also an economic dimension. Cluster missile attacks can deplete Israel’s stockpile of interceptor missiles. Since each incoming threat may require multiple interceptors, the cost imbalance works in Iran’s favor.
Ongoing Conflict Dynamics
Israeli officials claim they have destroyed over 70% of Iran’s missile launch infrastructure and established near-complete control over Iranian airspace. However, Iran continues to penetrate Israeli defenses.
Recent attacks in southern Israel left nearly 200 people injured after at least two missiles evaded interception and struck cities such as Arad and Dimona.
Iran’s Cluster Missile Strategy Raises Alarm in Israel’s Defense System
