Pezeshkian vows ‘targeted’ aid for Iran tourism business after strikes
President lauds firefighters as ‘front line of sacrifice’ in wartime rescues
President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday ordered “targeted” support for tourism businesses and accelerated restoration of war-damaged cultural sites during a visit to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts in Tehran, then praised firefighters as the “front line of sacrifice” at a separate unannounced fire station visit.
Pezeshkian reviewed damage assessments from recent US and Israeli strikes, pushing for “emergency” funding and faster documentation of destroyed monuments.
Officials reported 149 historical sites across 18 provinces affected, with emergency repairs already under way.
“Targeted” support is essential, the president warned, outlining aid packages including financial facilities, deferred debt repayments, insurance backing, and capacity-building programs for tourism operators.
He directed the economy and labor ministries to design and implement the measures.
Despite wartime constraints, the ministry reported “acceptable” management of the Nowruz travel season, citing balanced trip distribution, expanded lodging and transport services, and improved traveler satisfaction.
Separately, at a Tehran fire station, Pezeshkian thanked emergency crews for their “round-the-clock” efforts during the 40-day conflict. Officials said firefighters operated at more than 1,300 sites across 270 affected cities, rescuing between 2,000 and 3,000 people.
Abbas Masjedi Arani, head of Iran's Forensic Medicine Organization, announced that from the start of the Ramadan War until the final hours of April 10, 2025, a total of 3,375 people died in US and Israeli strikes.
“You entered the field when many were forced to leave,” the president told firefighters. “This spirit of sacrifice is a great asset for the country.”
Operations included containing massive firestorms, clearing rubble, extracting survivors, securing high-risk zones, and evacuating civilians.
Officials also reported damage assessments completed on roughly 88,000 private residential and commercial units nationwide, with repairs finished on about 27,000 homes outside major cities.