Iran's Use of Cluster Munitions in Ongoing Conflict with Israel

In the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that approximately 50% of the ballistic missiles fired by Iran have been cluster munitions. This marks a significant shift from previous engagements, such as the June 2025 war, where cluster munitions were used less frequently. Cluster munitions, which contain multiple smaller explosives, can cover a wide area, posing unique challenges to Israel's air defense systems. The IDF noted that while each individual bomblet may cause less damage than a full missile strike, the widespread dispersal increases the potential for civilian casualties.

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Cluster munitions are designed to release dozens of smaller bombs over a large area, complicating interception efforts. The bomblets can remain dangerous long after their initial deployment, often failing to detonate and acting like landmines. Reports indicate that Iran has been using these munitions almost daily during the current conflict, with military officials stating that the Iranian warheads can contain between 20 and 24 bomblets, each weighing up to 11 pounds. The use of such munitions has raised concerns about their indiscriminate nature, particularly in densely populated areas of Israel.

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The legality of using cluster munitions is contentious. Neither Iran nor Israel is a signatory to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits their use. Critics, including Amnesty International, have condemned Iran's use of these weapons as a violation of international humanitarian law. The IDF has characterized Iranian strikes as war crimes, citing the potential for civilian harm. However, military experts note that customary international law does not outright ban the use of cluster munitions, complicating the legal landscape surrounding their deployment.

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The IDF has faced criticism for its handling of missile alerts, with some arguing that the frequency of warnings has caused unnecessary panic among civilians. The IDF maintains that its alert system prioritizes saving lives, even if it disrupts daily routines. Additionally, a technical failure led to Hezbollah missiles striking central Israel without prior warning, highlighting vulnerabilities in Israel's defense systems.

The Jerusalem Post

The conflict has escalated beyond missile exchanges, with Iran reportedly targeting civilian infrastructure, including a desalination plant in Bahrain. This has raised alarms about the potential for wider regional instability. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to increase attacks on U.S. targets in response to ongoing military actions by Israel and the United States. The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for extended hostilities.

The Journal (Colorado)

• “Cluster bombs don’t create real damage to buildings, only people,” — Yehoshua Kalisky, Senior Researcher, Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies.

Boston Herald

• “The more pressure they impose on us, the stronger our response will naturally be,” — Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President.

The Journal (Colorado)

There are discrepancies regarding the number of missiles fired by Iran and the effectiveness of Israel's interception systems. While the IDF claims to have destroyed a significant portion of Iran's missile launchers, reports indicate that missile fire rates have not decreased as expected. Additionally, the exact impact of cluster munitions on civilian populations remains difficult to quantify, with varying accounts of casualties and damage.

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The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, characterized by the use of cluster munitions, poses significant humanitarian and legal challenges, raising concerns about the implications for regional stability and civilian safety.

The Jerusalem Post