WANA (Mar 02) – In a nighttime attack by the United States and Israel on Arg Square in central Tehran, parts of Golestan Palace, the capital’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, were damaged. This was reported by Shiava Abshenas, a Sputnik correspondent in Tehran.

 

Golestan Palace is a historic complex of buildings and gardens whose construction dates back to the reign of Shah Tahmasp I of the Safavid dynasty. During the Zand period, the palace briefly served as the residence of Karim Khan, and in the Qajar era, it was extensively expanded to accommodate the royal family in the new capital. During the Pahlavi era, the palace was used for official ceremonies and to host presidents and distinguished foreign guests. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage in July 2013.

A view of debris at the historical monument Golestan Palace following an Israeli and U.S. strike on the Justice Building in the area, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 3, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Extent of Damage and Officials’ Response

The blast waves from the Sunday night attack caused damage to sections of the palace, including its wooden doors, orsi (traditional Persian windows), and parts of the mirror work.

 

Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, confirmed the damages during his visit on Monday, March 2, 2026, stating that a report on the incident would be submitted to UNESCO, as the attack constitutes a violation of international law.

 

Museum artifacts from Golestan Palace, previously moved to secure storage following the 12-day war and the incidents in January 2026, were not affected in the recent airstrike and remain in a safe location.

A view of debris at the historical monument Golestan Palace following an Israeli and U.S. strike on the Justice Building in the area, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 3, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)