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.

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.

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.