Overview
- UNESCO said debris and a shock wave from an airstrike on Arg (Arag) Square in the palace’s buffer zone affected the World Heritage site and that it is closely monitoring cultural heritage in Iran.
- Iran released photos showing shattered windows, damaged mirrors and debris inside the complex, though the images have not been independently verified.
- Cultural heritage minister Reza Salehi‑Amiri inspected the palace, called the incident a breach of cultural obligations, and said a formal report would be submitted to UNESCO to start restoration.
- UNESCO said it has provided geographic coordinates of World Heritage and nationally significant sites to parties to help prevent further harm, citing protections under the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
- Neither the United States nor Israel has claimed responsibility for the reported Arg Square strike, as broader fighting since February 28 has produced heavy casualties and reports of damage at nearby historic sites including Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and the Arg Mosque.