UNESCO fears for historical sites in Iran
(VOVWORLD) -The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said it is deeply concerned about the fate of world heritage sites in Iran and across the region, after Tehran's Golestan palace and a historic mosque and palace in Isfahan were damaged in the ongoing conflict.
 Debris at the historical monument Golestan Palace after an Israeli and US strike in Tehran, Iran, March 3, 2026. (Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/REUTERS) |
"UNESCO is deeply concerned by the impact the hostilities are already having on world heritage sites," the organization said.
Four of Iran's 29 world heritage sites have been damaged since the start of the war. UNESCO has shared to all parties the coordinates of key cultural sites and urged all parties to protect the region's cultural sites. It reminded them that cultural sites are protected under international laws, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Damage to cultural landmarks has sparked protests from Iranian people and authorities. Isfahan Governor Mehdi Jamalinejad condemned the attacks, saying some of the world's most ancient symbols of civilization were targeted with advanced weaponry.