US and Israel accused of damaging Irans cultural heritage sites

Tehran Reports Extensive Damage to Cultural Heritage Sites in Iran

At least 56 cultural and historical sites in Iran have been damaged or destroyed as a result of ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts confirmed on Saturday that 19 locations in Tehran alone were affected, including the Golestan Palace, Grand Bazaar, and former Senate building.

The damage also extends to other provinces, with historic sites impacted in Isfahan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Kermanshah, Bushehr, and Ilam. The Qajar-era Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered significant damage, as did parts of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan.

According to the Ministry, international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2347, prohibits attacks on cultural heritage sites. The US, Israel, and Iran are all parties to the Hague Convention, which aims to protect cultural property.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has resulted in over 1,400 deaths, according to Amnesty International. UNESCO has verified damage to several historic sites, including Golestan Palace and two sites in Isfahan.

The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts stated that the main structure of the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle in Khorramabad remained intact despite damage. The US and Israel have insisted they are targeting military targets, but human rights groups have accused them of targeting civilian infrastructure, including heritage sites.

The geographical coordinates of heritage sites were provided to all parties by UNESCO before the conflict began.

Source: Al Jazeera