Blue Shield warns of ‘irreparable damage’ to Iranian heritage
Following extensive diplomatic and cultural initiatives by Iran, including high-level consultations by the government, the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Cultural Heritage, and Science, as well as various civil society organizations, Blue Shield International has issued a formal statement addressing the status of cultural heritage in the region.
This statement was issued in direct response to reports of military strikes by the US and the Zionist regime targeting several of Iran’s historic landmarks and archaeological sites, according to IRNA.
Underlining the fundamental necessity of safeguarding cultural property, Blue Shield International declared, "While the protection of human life and dignity must remain the paramount priority in any crisis, the protection of people is fundamentally incomplete without the preservation of their cultural heritage. Such legacy constitutes an intrinsic element of human identity and serves as a collective asset for all of humanity."
The organization further echoed the grave concerns previously voiced by UNESCO regarding the vulnerability of historical sites across the region. It issued an urgent appeal to all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from any military actions or operations that could inflict irreparable damage upon historical monuments and cultural landscapes.
Additionally, the statement underscored that the protection of cultural property remains a cornerstone of International Humanitarian Law. It emphasized that adherence to these international legal frameworks must be upheld as a binding standard of professional and military conduct, transcending all political considerations or geographical boundaries.
"As an independent, neutral, and non-governmental organization dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage, Blue Shield International is continuously monitoring the condition of heritage sites, archives, libraries, and historic buildings throughout the region," the statement read. The organization added that it is mobilizing its extensive global network of experts to mitigate potential risks and prevent further degradation of these invaluable cultural assets.
Blue Shield International expressed its full readiness to cooperate with all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the safety of cultural heritage. The organization also offered its formal support for initiatives aimed at minimizing damages and advancing toward peaceful resolutions.
The statement, published on March 13, 2026, was officially signed by Professor Peter Stone, President of Blue Shield International.
In response to the onset of the US-Israel conflict against Iran, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts organizations of some provinces — including West Azarbaijan, South Khorasan, Gilan, and Kermanshah — have initiated the urgent installation of the international "Blue Shield" emblem at their museums, archaeological sites, and historical monuments.
Blue Shield International was formally established in 1996 through a strategic partnership between four leading global entities: the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the International Council on Archives (ICA), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).