Iran's ISNA and Mehr news agencies reported that Golestan Palace was affected by US-Israel coalition airstrikes on 28/2. An explosion occurred in Arag Square, located within the heritage site's buffer zone, generating powerful shockwaves and scattering debris into the palace grounds.

In an official statement on 2/3, UNESCO confirmed it is monitoring the situation. The organization emphasized that cultural properties must be protected under international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

Rubble inside Golestan Palace in Tehran after the Israeli and US attack, on 3/3. Photo: Reuters

Initial reports indicate that shockwaves from the explosion damaged various intricate architectural elements. Specifically, traditional orsi-style window systems, wooden doors, and numerous distinctive mirror mosaic decorations of the palace suffered cracks and breaks.

The "Mirror Hall" (Talar-e Ayeneh), one of Golestan's most magnificent spaces, was also among the affected areas. The specific extent of technical damage awaits a final assessment report from Iranian officials.

Risks to valuable artifacts had been significantly reduced. Most museum artifacts and the throne in the Mirror Hall were moved to secure storage vaults beforehand, following protests in january and as regional tensions escalated.

The Mirror Hall damaged after the attack. Photo: Reuters

Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Reza Salehi-Amiri, personally inspected the site. He affirmed that this was not merely damage to a building but "an attack on Iran's cultural and national identity." Tehran announced it is finalizing an official dossier to submit to UNESCO to protest the incident.

UNESCO stated it had previously provided the geographical coordinates of all World Heritage sites in Iran to relevant parties to prevent "unintended damage." The agency continues to urge all parties to exercise restraint to protect historical monuments as the conflict in the Middle East shows signs of spreading.

Golestan Palace was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. It stands as an architectural masterpiece from the Qajar era, blending traditional Persian craftsmanship with Western influences.

Mai Phuong (According to To Iran Tour, Art News)