US-Israel Attacks Damage 120 Museums and Historic Buildings in Iran

Iranian authorities have reported that a wave of attacks by the United States (US) and Israel has caused damage to more than 100 museums and cultural sites, as well as historic sites, across various regions of the country since the war began at the end of February. “At least 120 museums, historic buildings, and cultural sites in various provinces have been directly targeted and suffered serious structural damage,” said Ahmad Alavi, head of the cultural heritage committee at the Tehran City Council, in his statement, as reported by AFP on Friday (27/3/2026). In a statement quoted by Iranian state television, Alavi mentioned that Golestan Palace, which is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), along with other sites, has been damaged due to the war. Several cultural and historic sites damaged by the US-Israel attacks, Alavi said, include Saadabad Palace, Marble Palace, and the Teymourtash house, also known as the War Museum. A report from the WANA News Agency stated that museums and historic sites in Tehran Province have been the most severely affected by the war. It was mentioned that more than 50 sites have been damaged in that province. Among the damaged cultural and historic sites, according to the WANA News Agency, around 20 of them are registered as national heritage sites. Nineteen other important historic buildings have suffered minor to structural damage. Three contemporary architecture buildings in Tehran were reported to have been completely destroyed, including the former Gendarmerie building, the Bazaar police office, and the Baharestan police station building. Tehran, according to the WANA News Agency, has around 3,000-5,000 historic buildings and important architecture. The US and Israel launched large-scale joint attacks against Iran since 28 February, and they continue to this day. In total, at least 1,340 people have been killed due to the series of US-Israel attacks in various regions of Iran, including the country’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with waves of missile and drone attacks against targets in Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Iran’s retaliatory attacks have caused damage and casualties in Israel and the Gulf countries. At least 13 US troops in the Gulf countries have been killed due to Iran’s series of retaliatory attacks. Another 290 US troops were injured, with 10 personnel among them suffering serious injuries.