Damage to Golestan Palace Amid US-Israeli Strikes

The Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tehran, Iran, sustained damage following a joint military operation conducted by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026. The airstrikes targeted Iranian leadership in the capital, escalating regional tensions. The palace, which has stood for over 400 years and is a symbol of Persian heritage, was reportedly affected by debris and shock waves from an airstrike near Arag Square, which is in proximity to the historic site.

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UNESCO has acknowledged the damage to Golestan Palace and is actively monitoring the situation. In a statement, the organization emphasized the obligations of all parties under international law to protect cultural property during armed conflict, specifically referencing the 1954 Hague Convention. While UNESCO has not confirmed the extent of the damage, it is conducting assessments using available information and satellite imagery. Future on-the-ground evaluations will depend on security conditions.

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Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of Qajar-era architecture, reflecting a blend of Persian and Western influences. It became the seat of government for the Qajar dynasty in the late 18th century and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. The palace is renowned for its intricate tile work, lush gardens, and mirror halls, making it a vital part of Iran's cultural legacy.

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Iran's Ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, condemned the US-Israeli strikes as a violation of international law and potential war crimes. He argued that the attacks on cultural heritage sites like Golestan Palace disrupt the interdependence between cultural rights and ecosystems, undermining the identity and dignity of affected communities. Bahreini urged the United Nations to condemn these actions and promote accountability for the destruction of cultural heritage.

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The damage to Golestan Palace is indicative of the broader cultural and human costs associated with the ongoing conflict. As tensions escalate, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israeli-occupied territories and US bases in the region. The situation raises concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage amid military aggression, highlighting the need for international efforts to safeguard such sites during conflicts.

US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s cultural heritage sites amount to war crime: Envoy

• “These acts of aggression have resulted in damage to cultural heritage sites embedded within historic urban and cultural landscapes, including the UNESCO World Heritage property ‘Golestan Palace’” — Ali Bahreini, Iranian Ambassador to Geneva

US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s cultural heritage sites amount to war crime: Envoy

• “UNESCO is not currently in a position to independently confirm the extent or precise nature of any reported damage to the World Heritage property 'Golestan Palace',” — UNESCO Statement

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While UNESCO has reported damage to Golestan Palace, it has not provided specific details on the extent of the destruction. Additionally, there are varying accounts regarding the timeline of the damage, with some sources indicating it occurred on March 2, while others reference the initial airstrikes on February 28. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments and potential for further military actions.

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