More than 50 cultural heritage sites across Iran have been damaged following two weeks of military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, according to the country’s cultural heritage authorities.
Officials from the Iran Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ministry said on Sunday that at least 56 historically significant sites were affected. The damaged locations include museums, historic government buildings, traditional bazaars and mosques across multiple regions of the country.
The reported damage has raised concerns among preservation experts and cultural authorities about the vulnerability of historic landmarks during armed conflict.
Among the sites cited by Iranian officials is the Golestan Palace, an ornate royal complex in Tehran dating back to the Qajar dynasty. The palace is widely recognised as one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks in the country.
Authorities also reported damage to the Shah Abbas Mosque and the 17th-century Chehel Sotoun palace in the historic city of Isfahan, both of which are regarded as significant symbols of Persian architecture and cultural heritage.
In addition to major historic complexes, officials said sites in several provinces were also affected, including Kurdistan Province, Lorestan Province, and Kermanshah Province.
The ministry noted that detailed evaluations are still underway to determine the full extent of the damage at each location.
Cultural preservation experts have warned that destruction or deterioration of heritage sites can have long-term consequences, both for historical conservation efforts and for communities whose identities are closely tied to these landmarks.
International cultural organisations have long emphasised the need to protect heritage sites during periods of conflict, arguing that such landmarks represent not only national history but also shared global heritage.
As assessments continue, Iranian officials say restoration and preservation efforts will be prioritised in order to safeguard the affected sites and prevent further deterioration.
