Since USA and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February 2026, the war and conflict have escalated to involve several countries across the Gulf region. Not only are human lives at stake, so is the cultural heritage. Therefore, several organisations have issued statements calling for the protection of heritage sites.
NEMO joins the voices recalling that cultural property is protected under international law, notably the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, including its enhanced protection mechanism, as well as the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Not only does this apply to the war in Iran and the Gulf region, but also other ongoing wars and conflicts across the globe including Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and Lebanon.
In an article, the UK Museums Association writes that the war has already seen serious damage to historic landmarks in Iran. According to reports, an Israeli airstrike targeted the governor’s office in the city of Isfahan, a UNESCO world heritage site. The strike damaged several heritage buildings, including the 17th-century Chehel Sotoon Palace. Bombing in Tehran on 2 March damaged the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site that is one of Iran’s most visited attractions.
International statements
After receiving reports of damage to cultural property, Blue Shield issued a statement sharing concerns about the destruction of tangible and intangible heritage, which “compounds the loss and tragedy associated with armed conflict.” They also shared that “Cultural heritage is more than a record of the past; it is a tangible anchor for human identity and a shared global asset. It reminds us of how much more we have in common than differentiates us.”
ICOM expresses its serious concern over the recent conflict in Iran and in a statement they share that: “ICOM is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with its National Committees and partners in the region and internationally, in line with its core commitment to the protection of cultural heritage. We remain attentive to the safety and well-being of our members in the affected areas as well as all professionals working to safeguard cultural heritage. ICOM underlines the need to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians.” Additionally ICOM links to their ICOM Statement for Peace, and the Declaration on the protection of archives, libraries, museums and heritage places during armed conflicts and political instability.
UNESCO expresses concern over the protection of cultural heritage and is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and across the region. A statement published on 2 March and updated on 17 March, said: “Unesco continues to closely monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the country and across the region, with a view to ensuring its protection. To that end, the Organization has communicated to all parties concerned the geographical coordinates of sites on the World Heritage List as well as those of national significance, to avoid any potential damage."
