Damage to historical sites in Iran raises alarm about war’s impact on protected places

U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran have reportedly damaged several historical and cultural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, Golestan Palace, in Tehran. The UN agency reported that a strike on Monday hit Arag Square, within the palace's buffer zone, causing damage from debris and shock waves. Other sites, including palaces and an ancient mosque, have also sustained damage. The extent and speed of the damage have prompted Iran and Lebanon to request intervention from UNESCO. The damage raises concerns about the impact of the escalating conflict on protected landmarks of Iranian and global historical significance.

In March 2026, the US and Israel escalated their conflict with Iran, striking oil storage depots and refining facilities in Tehran. These strikes marked the first time the capital had been targeted, resulting in significant fires. Despite assurances from Iran's president that attacks would cease, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE reported further attacks. US President Donald Trump reiterated his demand for Iran's "unconditional surrender," stating the war would only end with the capitulation or incapacitation of Iran's leadership and military. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, raising concerns about regional stability.

Following recent US-Israel bombing campaigns, Iranian officials report damage to several ancient heritage sites, including the Golestan Palace in Tehran and the Chehel Sotoon Palace in Isfahan. While not directly hit, the sites suffered damage from shockwaves and debris, resulting in shattered glass and dislodged masonry. UNESCO expressed concern, noting it had shared the coordinates of World Heritage sites with all parties. The governor of Isfahan stated that the damage occurred despite the sites being marked with blue shield signs, indicating protected cultural objects. Other sites in Isfahan, including Ali Qapu Palace and mosques around Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also sustained damage.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on March 8, 2026, that Iran will not yield to pressure from the United States and Israel. This announcement comes as tensions between Iran and these nations continue to rise. Pezeshkian's statement underscores Iran's resolve to maintain its position despite external pressures. The context of the statement is the ongoing geopolitical friction involving Iran, the US, and Israel. The location of the announcement was within Iran, as Pezeshkian is the Iranian President.

The article suggests that Russia is observing the escalating conflict involving Iran, anticipating potential long-term benefits. Events depicted in the article include a meeting between the Iranian President and Vladimir Putin in Moscow in January 2025. The article also references a U.S.-Israeli military attack in Tehran in March 2026, as well as reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai around the same time. The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is also mentioned as occurring in early March 2026. Russia's strategy appears to be one of non-intervention, possibly calculating that the conflict will ultimately strengthen its geopolitical position.

Recent US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran have resulted in significant damage, including to the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in Tehran. The strikes, which began on Saturday, have targeted numerous government and military sites, reportedly killing nearly 800 people. Iranian media reports that the Golestan Palace sustained damage to windows, doors, and mirrors due to the reverberations from blasts targeting Arag Square. UNESCO confirmed the damage and stated that it had provided the coordinates of World Heritage sites to all parties involved to prevent such incidents. The US military claims to have hit nearly 2,000 targets inside Iran since the operation began.

As of March 3, 2026, the Middle East is experiencing escalating violence following coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Key government and symbolic sites in Tehran have been damaged, resulting in over 600 deaths, including Supreme Leader Khamenei. The US has warned of further strikes intended to cripple Iran's military capabilities and halt its nuclear ambitions. In response, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening any vessels attempting passage, and has launched attacks on US and allied targets across the region, including energy facilities. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to have significant global economic consequences.

Intense Israeli strikes targeted Iran and Lebanon as the US warned of a dramatic surge in bombardment in the Middle East on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The US has been striking Iran for six consecutive days, escalating the conflict. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, with Israeli tanks moving to the Lebanese border. Azerbaijan accused Iran of a drone attack and threatened retaliation, signaling a potential expansion of the war. Governments worldwide are scrambling to evacuate citizens stranded across the region as the conflict disrupts travel, including at Dubai International Airport. The escalating conflict raises concerns about regional stability and potential internal destabilization within Iran.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi stated that diplomatic options remain to de-escalate the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel. Al-Busaidi urged an immediate ceasefire and a return to regional diplomacy, suggesting "off-ramps" are available. Oman had previously mediated talks between the US and Iran before the recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which followed stalled nuclear program negotiations. Conflicting reasons for the US attacks have been given by President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio. Despite progress in prior negotiations, Iran has retaliated with strikes against Israel and US forces, drawing Oman into the conflict despite not hosting US forces. Oman is now calling for a return to diplomacy.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently apologized for past Iranian strikes targeting neighboring Gulf states. This action occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region. However, Pezeshkian later retracted his apology following criticism from other Iranian leaders. Despite the initial apology and subsequent reversal, Iran has continued its attacks, highlighting potential rifts within the Iranian leadership regarding foreign policy and regional relations. The situation underscores the complex dynamics and ongoing conflicts involving Iran and its Gulf neighbors.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated his opposition to military actions in Iran, despite trade threats from the U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to end trade with Spain after Sánchez refused to allow the U.S. to use joint military bases for attacks on Iran. Sánchez criticized the U.S. and Israeli attacks as unjustifiable and dangerous, stating that Spain would not be complicit in actions against its values. He expressed concern about the potential consequences of the conflict, calling it "playing Russian roulette" with millions of lives. The feasibility of Trump's trade threat is unclear, as the EU negotiates trade agreements for its member states.

In March 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a planned Israeli attack on Iran influenced the timing of the US military's assault on Tehran. Rubio explained that the US was aware of Israel's impending action and anticipated Iranian retaliation against US interests. To preemptively mitigate potential casualties, the US launched its own strikes. This revelation came as the US military confirmed six service members had died in the conflict following Iranian retaliation, which included drone and missile attacks on US bases. Rubio defended the US-Israeli joint action, arguing it was necessary to thwart an imminent threat, as Iran would have retaliated against the US following the Israeli strike.

Following joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the US aims to destroy Iran's navy, ballistic missile production, and nuclear weapon capabilities. Hegseth indicated the US does not plan to pursue a democratic transition in Iran and avoided providing a timeline for the operation, while emphasizing the US would not get "bogged down." President Trump stated he wouldn't rule out sending ground troops "if they were necessary." General Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US has established air superiority over Iran, but expects additional losses and that the operation will not be quick. These remarks are the first from US officials since the strikes began, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader.