U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have put the nation’s cultural heritage at serious risk. The attacks, described by Iranian officials as deliberate, have raised concerns over international law and human rights. Iran’s Ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, called the assaults a direct violation of global protections for cultural property.
Bahreini sent a letter to United Nations Special Rapporteur Alexandra Xanthaki on Thursday. He detailed the significant damage caused by the strikes to cultural heritage, including the historic Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. He stressed that these attacks disrupt the interdependence between cultural rights and ecosystems, threatening both the physical sites and the communities tied to them.
The ambassador warned that the destruction extends beyond buildings. He said it severs intergenerational connections, destabilizes historical and social fabrics, and undermines collective cultural rights. According to Bahreini, such attacks may constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law if evidence confirms intent or recklessness.
The recent strikes followed a new wave of aerial attacks on February 28. This marked approximately eight months after the previous US and Israeli operations against Iran. Iran reported significant casualties, including civilians and military figures, and emphasized the targeting of culturally significant areas. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. bases in the region and Israeli-occupied territories.
Experts highlight that attacks on cultural heritage carry broader implications. Destroying historic sites harms not only national identity but also global cultural patrimony. Officials stress that cultural heritage protection is essential to human dignity, sustainable peace, and cultural diversity.
The ambassador urged the UN to publicly condemn the attacks and strengthen protections for cultural heritage during armed conflicts. He called for international accountability measures to prevent further destruction and to uphold cultural rights for affected communities.
Analysts note that continued strikes could intensify regional tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts. Protecting cultural heritage may become a focal point for international advocacy and legal proceedings. The international community faces pressure to respond swiftly to prevent additional losses.
Iran’s call for action emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard cultural heritage, maintain accountability, and preserve humanity’s shared cultural assets. Without such measures, the destruction could leave lasting scars on both national and global heritage.