Tehran synagogue destroyed in a pre-dawn airstrike by the United States and Israel, Iranian officials confirmed. The attack demolished a historic Jewish house of worship.
The strike occurred around 3:00 AM local time on April 7, 2026. The synagogue was in a densely populated residential area. Nearby homes suffered significant structural damage. Homayoun Sameyeh Najafabadi, the Jewish community’s representative in Iran’s parliament, confirmed no casualties occurred. He said the building was empty during the early morning.
Najafabadi emphasized the synagogue’s historical value as one of Iran’s oldest Jewish sites. He added that Torah scrolls stored there were destroyed and remain buried under rubble. The strike coincided with Passover, one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. Najafabadi strongly condemned the attack, saying the community opposes Zionist actions.
Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi called the destruction “bitter and distressing.” He said the airstrike targeted Iran’s cultural heritage without regard for religion. The strike is part of a larger conflict that began on February 28, 2026. The United States and Israel assassinated senior officials, including Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and struck nuclear, educational, and medical sites.
Iranian forces responded with over 100 waves of missile and drone attacks, named Operation True Promise 4. Hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles struck American and Israeli targets. Experts warn that targeting religious and cultural sites carries serious political and social consequences. The attack undermines international norms and threatens Iran’s heritage.
Officials say Tehran will strengthen security for historic and religious sites. Analysts expect increased diplomatic efforts and added protection for minority communities. The destruction highlights broader humanitarian and cultural stakes in the ongoing conflict. Tehran synagogue destroyed represents both a physical and symbolic loss for the city.