Attacks inflict $48.6mn damage on Iran’s cultural heritage sites
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri said on Saturday that recent US and Israeli attacks caused an estimated 75 trillion rials (about $48.6mn) in damage to historical sites across the country.
Salehi-Amiri said 140 registered sites were hit in 20 provinces, calling the losses “significant” and confirming the assessment had been formally submitted to the government. Tehran bore the brunt with 63 sites affected, followed by Isfahan with 23 and Kurdestan with 12, ISNA reported.
In the capital, damage was reported at prominent landmarks including Golestan Palace and the Sa’adabad Complex, as well as a range of museums, historic buildings and cultural institutions. Authorities said several facilities within the Sa’adabad complex, including multiple museums, sustained impacts.
Isfahan, a major cultural hub, recorded damage to sites within the Naqsh-e Jahan Square ensemble, including the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace, alongside other historic mosques, palaces and traditional houses. The Chehel Sotoun Palace museum complex was also among affected sites.
In the western provinces, officials listed multiple damaged locations in Kurdestan and Kermanshah, including historic mansions, mosques and bathhouses. In Lorestan, the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle complex sustained damage from blast waves, authorities said.
Khuzestan province reported 13 affected sites, with preliminary assessments indicating impacts on historical areas and museums in cities such as Dezful, Ahvaz and Andimeshk. Some locations tied to the Sacred Defense era were also cited.
Salehi-Amiri said restoration planning was under way, stressing the need to “preserve” national heritage and ensure rapid rehabilitation.
He added that detailed technical surveys would refine the initial estimates as authorities move to safeguard damaged structures and reopen affected cultural venues.