Iran is using cluster bombs against Israel: What are these bombs and why are they banned in war?

Israel on Thursday accused Iran of launching at least one missile carrying cluster munitions, marking the first reported use of such weapons in the seven-day-old conflict. According to Israeli officials, the missile dispersed submunitions designed to increase civilian casualties, raising serious humanitarian concerns.

What is a Cluster Bomb?
Cluster bombs, a type of cluster munition, are designed to release numerous smaller explosives—known as submunitions—over a wide area. These weapons can be dropped from aircraft or launched from the ground. Once deployed, the main shell opens mid-air and scatters submunitions across an area equivalent to several football fields.

One of the most controversial aspects of cluster munitions is their long-term danger. Some submunitions fail to explode on impact and remain lethal for years, posing significant risks to civilians and hindering post-conflict recovery. Removing unexploded ordnance is both costly and time-consuming.

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Earlier in March, Russia used cluster bombs in an attack on Ukraine’s eastern region of Dobropillia. The strike targeted the town center, killing 11 people and injuring 40 others. The incident drew international condemnation and renewed scrutiny over the use of such weapons in civilian areas.

Why Cluster Munitions are Banned in War?
Cluster munitions have a long and contentious history. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, they were first used during World War II and saw significant stockpiling during the Cold War. Their primary military objective has been to neutralize multiple targets—such as tanks or infantry units—spread over a wide battlefield.

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The use of cluster munitions in populated areas is banned under international law by more than 120 countries, though key nations including the United States, Russia, and Iran have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions.