Israeli strikes said to cause damage to Iranian cultural sites — NYT

Iran’s Culture and Heritage Ministry alleges that Israeli airstrikes in the country damaged historic cultural sites, according to The New York Times.

Sites reportedly damaged in the city of Isfahan include the Ali Qapu Palace and the Chehel Sotoun palace and garden, both of which date to the 17th century, according to the Times.

The Jameh Mosque, a standout example of Persian architecture, also saw its turquoise tiles fall to the ground due to the strikes, according to the report.

The strikes were said to target the governor’s building in Isfahan, which is near cultural landmarks.

Reports and images circulating in the social media suggest that Isfahan's city’s Jameh Mosque may have been damaged in the US-Israeli strikes. If confirmed, it would be the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran reported to have been targeted. Isfahan is also home to a… pic.twitter.com/8EULMwfdgu

— Harry Istepanian (@harryistepanian) March 9, 2026

The IDF tells the Times that it was not targeting the cultural sites but does not respond to questions about the reported damage.

UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, expresses concern about the damage to cultural landmarks.

“UNESCO continues to closely monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the country and across the region, with a view to ensuring its protection,” the agency’s statement says. “To that end, the Organization has communicated to all parties concerned the geographical coordinates of sites on the World Heritage List as well as those of national significance, to avoid any potential damage.”