Protected landmarks and Iran’s cultural heritage have suffered damage during US‑Israeli strikes that began on February 28. UNESCO and other organizations say several UNESCO‑listed and nationally significant sites, including palaces and an ancient mosque, have been affected by blast waves, debris and nearby explosions.
UNESCO said it had shared the geographic coordinates of World Heritage and nationally significant sites with all parties to avoid harm and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure protection.
Damaged sites reported so far
1. Golestan Palace, Tehran
One of Tehran’s oldest monuments and the city’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Golestan Palace complex dates to the 1500s. UNESCO confirmed damage after a March 2 missile strike near Arag Square. Reported effects include shattered mirrored ceilings, broken archways, blown‑out windows and debris inside halls.
2. Chehel Sotoun Palace, Isfahan
The 17th‑century Chehel Sotoun pavilion, part of the UNESCO‑listed Persian Gardens, was affected by strikes on a nearby government building on March 10. Damage verified by reports and UNESCO includes broken tiles, fallen murals, damaged Safavid mirrorwork, cracked frescoes and shattered windows. The palace’s name, meaning “40 columns,” refers to 20 wooden columns whose reflection in a front pool doubles their appearance.
3. Masjed‑e Jame (Jameh Mosque), Isfahan
Isfahan’s Jameh Mosque, Iran’s oldest Friday mosque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site illustrating 12 centuries of Iranian Islamic architecture, has seen structure, tile and decorative damage from blast waves. The mosque functions both as a place of worship and as part of the city’s historic bazaar.
4. Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan
Ali Qapu Palace, on the western side of Naqsh‑e Jahan Square and part of the Safavid‑era monumental complex, has reported broken windows and doors and dislodged tilework. Strikes that struck the Governorate building on the square appear to have caused collateral damage to nearby cultural monuments.
5. Khorramabad Valley prehistoric sites, Lorestan Province
UNESCO confirmed structures near the buffer zone of the Khorramabad Valley World Heritage Site were damaged by shockwaves. The site, listed in 2025, includes five caves and a rock shelter with evidence of human settlement going back roughly 63,000 years.
6. Falak‑ol‑Aflak Citadel (Shapur Khast Castle), Khorramabad
The large Sasanian‑era fortress and its perimeter buildings were struck; offices and museums within the citadel complex—such as archaeology and anthropology museum spaces—were reportedly hit. The main fortress structure remains intact, but five staff and heritage protection personnel were reported injured.
Protective measures and warnings
Authorities in Iran have displayed blue‑and‑white Blue Shield emblems atop buildings to signify cultural property protection under the 1954 Hague Convention. Blue Shield International called for heritage protection, noting that safeguarding cultural sites is tied to protecting people and identity.
Most reported damage so far stems from shockwaves, debris and nearby explosions rather than direct targeting of monuments. Nonetheless, attacks on cultural property can constitute war crimes under international law. The United States, Israel and Iran are parties to conventions intended to protect cultural heritage in conflicts.
There has been public concern after past statements threatening cultural sites; critics warn that disregarding international humanitarian law and conventions designed to protect civilians and heritage risks serious legal and moral consequences. The US Committee of the Blue Shield expressed alarm at any rhetoric or actions that undermine observance of these laws.
