Golestan Palace World Heritage Site in Iran Damaged by US–Israel Airstrike

Golestan Palace, a historic palace complex and the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Iran’s capital, Tehran, is reported to have sustained damage from air strikes by the United States and Israel. The Art Newspaper detailed the incident, noting that Golestan Palace was damaged by the US-Israel air campaign. The strike occurred when a joint US-Israel assault force targeted the Arg Square area in southern Tehran on Sunday night, 1 March 2026, an area adjacent to the palace complex. Photos and videos circulating in Iranian media show shattered windows, damage to the palace’s characteristic mirror glass, and debris scattered across parts of the complex. Ahmad Alavi, head of Tehran City Council’s Tourism Committee, said ‘the explosion was powerful enough to lift some asphalt within the palace grounds.’ Authorities had previously taken precautionary steps by moving museum artefacts and wrapping fragile interior sections to reduce potential damage amid increasing conflict. Golestan Palace is around 400 years old and a key symbol in Iran’s history, notably as an administrative centre during the Qajar Dynasty. The complex comprises several main buildings and gardens that reflect a fusion of Persian art and European architecture. The United Nations cultural body has also confirmed it has sent coordinates of all World Heritage sites to those involved in the conflict to avoid damage to cultural property. The damage to Golestan Palace has raised international concern about the protection of cultural heritage in the midst of the Middle East conflict, as well as the documentation and restoration efforts that Iran, together with UNESCO, are likely to undertake.