"So far, 122 cluster bombs have been discovered and destroyed around Shiraz and in several towns,"the ISNA news agency quoted Jalal Yarmohammadi, deputy head of public relations for the Guards in Fars province, as saying.

It was not immediately clear when the bombs, which involve a single projectile that releases multiple bomblets, were dropped, though the statement said it was "several days ago".

Cluster bombs are weapons that open in mid-air to disperse dozens or hundreds of smaller submunitions over a wide area. These bomblets are designed to explode on impact, targeting troops, vehicles or infrastructure. However, many fail to detonate immediately, leaving behind unexploded ordnance that can kill or injure civilians long after a conflict ends.

Cluster munitions are banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits their use, production, transfer, and stockpiling. More than 100 countries are party to the treaty.

However, some major military powers — including the United States — have not joined, meaning the weapons are not universally outlawed. Even for non-signatories, their use is widely criticised due to the risk posed to civilians.

Infamously, cluster bombs were used extensively by the United States during the Vietnam War and in Laos and Cambodia, leaving a lasting legacy of unexploded ordnance.

Since 28 February, the US and Israel strikes on Iran have killed more than 3,400, including hundreds of women and children.

The Iranian Health Ministry and Red Crescent have reported that US and Israeli strikes on Iran have left at least 1,937 deaths and over 24,800 injuries from 28 February to March 27. This total includes at least 240 women and 212 children.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported a total of 3,389 deaths by March 27. Their breakdown includes: Civilians: 1,527 (including at least 228 children); Military Personnel: 1,167; and Unclassified: 695.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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