U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Condemns Iran’s Cluster Missile Strikes on Israel as “WAR CRIMES,” Urges Donald Trump to Issue Immediate Military Orders to Halt Escalation

Washington, D.C. — Pete Hegseth has sharply condemned Iran’s reported use of cluster munitions in strikes against Israel, calling the attacks “war crimes” and urging Donald Trump to take immediate action to halt further escalation.

Speaking during a tense moment in the ongoing Middle East crisis, Hegseth described the alleged deployment of cluster missiles as a “clear and unacceptable violation of international norms,” warning that such tactics endanger civilians long after initial strikes due to unexploded submunitions.

“Cluster munitions are widely condemned for a reason,” Hegseth said. “Their use in populated areas is indiscriminate and cannot be justified under the laws of armed conflict.”

The remarks come amid rising hostilities between Iran and Israel, with both sides exchanging strikes that have heightened fears of a broader regional war. Reports of cluster missile usage have sparked international concern, as many countries consider such weapons illegal under humanitarian conventions.

Hegseth called on Trump to issue “immediate and decisive directives,” suggesting that swift diplomatic or military measures may be necessary to prevent further civilian casualties and contain the conflict.

“We are at a critical moment,” he said. “Delays could lead to consequences that spiral beyond control. Leadership is required now.”

While Trump has not yet publicly responded to Hegseth’s specific remarks, his administration has previously emphasized a hardline stance against Iran, particularly in the context of regional security and the protection of allied nations.

International observers have also begun weighing in, with several human rights organizations calling for independent investigations into the alleged use of prohibited weapons. The situation remains fluid, with global leaders closely monitoring developments and urging restraint on all sides.

As tensions continue to mount, the focus now shifts to Washington and whether immediate action will be taken in response to the growing crisis.