Israel accuses Iran of using cluster munitions: Understanding the weapons

Israeli authorities report that Iran has used cluster munitions in the ongoing conflict, posing serious risks to civilians and challenging Israel's air defenses. These weapons scatter numerous bomblets over wide areas, leaving unexploded ordnance that remains hazardous even after attacks.

Tel Aviv, Israel — Israeli authorities have confirmed that Iran has been deploying cluster munitions throughout the ongoing 10-day military confrontation, adding a complex and highly hazardous challenge to the nation’s air defense operations. Israeli officials have provided public briefings on the nature of these weapons, which represent a significant threat to both military personnel and civilians.

Understanding Cluster Munitions

Cluster munitions are specialized weapons designed to release numerous smaller bomblets over a wide area. When launched from high altitudes, these submunitions spread across large distances, making interception difficult and increasing the risk to individuals in the impact zone. At night, the bomblets may resemble glowing fireballs, further complicating defensive measures. One of the main dangers is that unexploded bomblets can remain live on the ground even after civilians have sought shelter, creating ongoing hazards.

Legal Status of Cluster Munitions

Over 120 countries have ratified an international convention banning the use of cluster munitions. Israel, the United States, and Iran have not ratified this treaty. Cluster munitions have a documented history of global military use, including Israel’s deployment during the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned organization.

Key Features of Cluster Munitions

• Wide dispersion and indiscriminate effects: Parent missiles release submunitions at altitudes up to 710 kilometers (46 miles), which can scatter over distances ranging from several hundred meters to multiple kilometers.
• Persistent danger: Unexploded bomblets remain a lethal threat after deployment, particularly in densely populated areas of Israel.
• Limited structural damage: Experts note that cluster bombs primarily affect people rather than buildings.

Challenges for Israeli Defense Systems

Israel’s Arrow missile defense system is effective against incoming ballistic missiles, but cluster munitions are nearly impossible to intercept once dispersed. The Iron Dome system, designed for smaller short-range rockets, cannot adequately counter the submunitions, which often weigh less than 3 kilograms (7 pounds). This creates significant risks for civilians, including children, both during and after attacks.

Unexploded Submunitions

Cluster bomblets have a higher likelihood of failing to detonate compared to other warheads, leaving live ordnance that behaves similarly to landmines. Verified images of unexploded submunitions discovered in Israel have been published by the Open Source Munitions Portal, confirming the ongoing threat on the ground.

Iran’s Deployment of Cluster Munitions

Although larger Iranian missiles are responsible for most structural damage, Iran has reportedly launched cluster munitions almost daily. During a 12-day conflict in June, similar weapons were deployed. Iranian warheads can contain between 20 and 24 bomblets, each carrying up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of explosives. Israeli authorities, including the Home Front Command and police, have repeatedly instructed the public not to touch unexploded submunitions and to report them immediately.

Missile Types Used by Iran

The Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missile and shorter-range Zolfaghar missiles have been reported to carry submunitions. Some missiles are engineered to release these bomblets at high altitudes to maximize coverage. Analysts indicate that Iran’s cluster munitions are designed to disperse explosives widely rather than strike with precision, heightening the indiscriminate risk to civilians.

International Responses

Following the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in July 2025, Amnesty International stated that Iran’s use of indiscriminate weapons violates international humanitarian law. While cluster munitions are not universally banned, their deployment in civilian-populated areas is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions and recent international agreements ratified by over 120 countries.

Historical Context

• World War II: Nazi Germany used butterfly bombs against the United Kingdom.
• United States: Employed cluster munitions in Vietnam, Laos, Iraq, Afghanistan, and supplied them to Ukraine.
• Russia: Accused of cluster munition use in Ukraine during 2022, although denied.
• Israel: During the 2006 Lebanon conflict, 30–40% of Israeli cluster munitions failed to detonate, leaving hundreds of thousands of unexploded bomblets in southern Lebanon. Israel is not deploying cluster bombs in the current conflict.

Sources:

• BBC News - Israel accuses Iran of using cluster munitions
• Al Jazeera - Understanding cluster munitions amid Israel-Iran tensions
• Reuters - Israel says Iran deploys cluster bombs, raising civilian risk
• Israel says Iran is using cluster munitions. What to know about the weapons

Author: Lucas Grant
Lucas Grant is a sports journalist with extensive experience covering football and basketball championships. Known for factual accuracy and an engaging, dynamic writing style.