Experts Warn of Irreversible Damage to Iran's Cultural Heritage Amid Conflict
More than 250 global scholars and cultural professionals have issued a statement condemning the destruction of Iran's cultural heritage by the United States and Israel following military operations launched on February 28, 2026. Organized by the Society for Iranian Archaeology, the signatories warn that these actions have inflicted irreversible damage on humanity's shared history and may constitute violations of the 1954 Hague Convention. The statement draws parallels to the looting of Iraq's National Museum in 2003, emphasizing that such losses remain enduring symbols of failure in protecting heritage during war. Prominent academics, including Ervand Abrahamian and Touraj Daryaee, are among the signatories. Concurrently, Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage reported damage to at least 56 museums and historic sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Golestan Palace in Tehran and the Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan. A separate letter from over 100 US-based international law experts also expressed profound concern regarding serious violations of international law by all parties involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
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Experts Warn of Irreversible Damage to Iran's Cultural Heritage Amid Conflict
More than 250 global scholars and cultural professionals have issued a statement condemning the destruction of Iran's cultural heritage by the United States and Israel following military operations launched on February 28, 2026. Organized by the Society for Iranian Archaeology, the signatories warn that these actions have inflicted irreversible damage on humanity's shared history and may constitute violations of the 1954 Hague Convention. The statement draws parallels to the looting of Iraq's National Museum in 2003, emphasizing that such losses remain enduring symbols of failure in protecting heritage during war. Prominent academics, including Ervand Abrahamian and Touraj Daryaee, are among the signatories. Concurrently, Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage reported damage to at least 56 museums and historic sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Golestan Palace in Tehran and the Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan. A separate letter from over 100 US-based international law experts also expressed profound concern regarding serious violations of international law by all parties involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The Indian Express