Iran Strikes Israel with Cluster Warheads

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran has launched missile attacks armed with cluster warheads on Tel Aviv, Israel, in apparent retaliation for the assassination of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani. The operation was confirmed by Iranian state television on Wednesday.

The strikes mark a significant intensification in the ongoing Israel–Iran confrontation, which has already claimed the lives of several top Iranian officials. Larijani, who served as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed recently alongside his son and deputy, Alireza Bayat, during prior Israeli operations.

Nuclear Facility Under Threat

Iran has also reported a missile impact near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday evening. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), no casualties or damage occurred. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated the need for maximum restraint during the conflict to prevent a nuclear incident.

Casualties and Damage in Israel

The Israeli authorities have confirmed that the recent cluster missile attack on densely populated areas of Tel Aviv resulted in at least two civilian deaths, bringing the total confirmed fatalities in the conflict to fourteen. Emergency services were seen inspecting damaged buildings and vehicles in central Israel following the strikes.

Cluster munitions, which disperse numerous smaller explosive submunitions over a wide area, are particularly difficult to defend against. Israeli officials emphasised that Iran has repeatedly employed such weapons during the current hostilities.

Overview of Recent Escalations

Background

Israeli and U.S. officials stated that the prior two-week offensive aimed to halt Iran’s nuclear weapons programme. Several top Iranian leaders, including Larijani, were killed in these strikes. The recent retaliation by Iran demonstrates a new phase in the conflict, with the use of cluster munitions in urban centres heightening civilian risk.

As the situation develops, international agencies and regional authorities continue to call for maximum caution to prevent further escalation, particularly near sensitive nuclear sites.