New US missile may have caused wide civilian deaths in Iran: report

A new US ballistic missile may have caused widespread deaths and damage in the Iranian city of Lamerd during its first reported combat use, raising concerns about deploying the weapon near populated areas, according to an analysis by conflict monitor Airwars and weapons experts.

Three missiles struck Lamerd on Feb. 28, killing at least 21 civilians, including seven children, Iranian officials said. Airwars found civilians were killed up to 50 meters from the explosion sites, while damage extended more than three times farther.

The analysis suggests the weapons were US-made Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), which are designed to explode in midair and release tens of thousands of high-speed tungsten pellets.

Airwars mapped the strike sites using satellite images, videos, photographs, social media posts and other public material. The Associated Press independently reviewed the evidence. Six weapons experts, including two former military officials, said the damage was consistent with a PrSM attack and that such missiles should not be used near civilians.

The US military has confirmed using PrSMs in Iran but denies striking Lamerd. It suggested footage showed an Iranian Hoveyzeh cruise missile. Experts said the missile visible in the footage did not match that model. Israel also denied striking as far south as Lamerd.

The intended target remains unclear. An Iranian Revolutionary Guard compound is nearby, but satellite images showed no damage there.

The PrSM can strike targets more than 499 kilometers away and is replacing the Army Tactical Missile System. Unlike its predecessor, it releases thousands of tungsten pellets in all directions, making it highly lethal.

Since the Lamerd strikes, the Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth more than $4 billion to increase production. Britain and Australia are also purchasing the missiles.

Experts said the weapon has useful military capabilities but should be reserved for appropriate targets away from civilian areas.