Protected landmarks and Iran’s cultural heritage have been damaged during US‑Israeli strikes that began on February 28. UNESCO and other cultural organizations report that several World Heritage and nationally significant sites, including palaces and an ancient mosque, have been affected by blast waves, flying debris and nearby explosions.
UNESCO said it provided geographic coordinates of World Heritage and nationally important sites to all parties to try to prevent harm and is closely monitoring the situation.
Reportedly damaged sites
1. Golestan Palace, Tehran
The Golestan Palace complex, one of Tehran’s oldest monuments and the city’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates to the 1500s. UNESCO confirmed damage after a missile strike near Arag Square on March 2. Observed effects include shattered mirrored ceilings, broken archways, blown‑out windows and debris in interior halls.
2. Chehel Sotoun Palace, Isfahan
The 17th‑century Chehel Sotoun pavilion, part of the UNESCO‑listed Persian Gardens, suffered damage from strikes near a government building on March 10. Reports and UNESCO verification list broken tiles, fallen murals, damaged Safavid mirrorwork, cracked frescoes and shattered windows. The pavilion’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 that reflects 12 centuries of Iranian Islamic architecture, sustained structural, tile and decorative damage from blast waves. The mosque continues to serve as a place of worship and is integrated with 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 monumental ensemble, has reported broken windows and doors and dislodged tilework. Strikes that hit the Governorate building on the square appear to have caused collateral damage to nearby monuments.
5. Khorramabad Valley prehistoric sites, Lorestan Province
UNESCO confirmed that structures near the buffer zone of the Khorramabad Valley World Heritage Site were damaged by shockwaves. The 2025‑listed site includes five caves and a rock shelter with evidence of human occupation 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 inside the citadel complex, including archaeology and anthropology displays, were reportedly hit. The main fortress structure remains intact, but five staff and heritage protection personnel were reported injured.
Protective measures and legal concerns
Iranian authorities have displayed blue‑and‑white Blue Shield emblems on buildings to indicate protection under the 1954 Hague Convention. Blue Shield International has called for safeguarding cultural property, stressing that protecting heritage is linked to protecting people and identity.
Most damage described so far appears to result from shockwaves, debris and nearby explosions rather than direct targeting of monuments. Nonetheless, attacks on cultural property can amount to war crimes under international law. The United States, Israel and Iran are parties to conventions intended to protect cultural heritage in armed conflict.
There is public concern over past statements perceived as threatening cultural sites; critics warn that disregarding international humanitarian law and conventions designed to protect civilians and heritage could have legal and moral consequences. The US Committee of the Blue Shield expressed alarm at rhetoric or actions that may undermine adherence to those laws and protections.