Middle East crisis Israel vs Iran/ Iran's nuclear program

Israel vs Iran
Iran used cluster munitions during the war against Israel

During the twelve-day war between Israel and Iran, Iran used missiles equipped with cluster munitions on at least three occasions, writes Haaretz. This is the first time Iran has used such ammunition in attacks against Israel, according to the newspaper.

The cluster munitions break up high in the atmosphere into smaller shells with around seven kilograms of explosives each. Each rocket can carry up to 80 such smaller shells and together they can cause damage over an area of ​​several kilometers. In total, the cluster munitions from the three rockets are said to have hit seven Israeli cities.

The explosive power and military benefit are relatively small, instead the purpose of the ammunition is mainly to spread fear, the newspaper writes. Another danger with cluster munitions is that unexploded clusters can remain on the ground and explode later.

In 2008, one hundred countries signed a ban on cluster munitions, but neither Israel nor Iran. Israel has also used the ammunition in the past. 

Iran's nuclear program  

UN nuclear inspectors leave Iran for security reasons

The UN Atomic Energy Agency IAEA is recalling its staff from Iran for security reasons, reports the Wall Street Journal. The announcement comes as Iranian rhetoric against the IAEA has become increasingly harsh. Among other things, the head Rafael Grossi has been subjected to death threats.

The inspectors have been in Tehran, but have not been able to carry out any inspections since Israel's attacks on Iran began on June 13.

The inspectors' now leaving Iran makes it very unlikely that any international party will be able to monitor Iran's nuclear program on site in the future, even if foreign intelligence services continue their monitoring, writes the WSJ.