Iran Reports Damage to 149 Cultural Sites Following US-Israeli Attacks
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TEHRAN, April 23 — Iran's Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts announced Thursday that 149 historical and cultural monuments across 20 provinces have sustained damage following a series of attacks attributed to the United States and Israel.
The ministry stated that the destruction resulted from what it described as unprovoked aggression and terrorist acts. Officials said the incidents occurred over a period of escalating regional tensions, with the most significant damage reported in sites located in Isfahan, Yazd, and Fars provinces. The ministry did not specify the exact dates of the attacks but confirmed that assessments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the structural and historical impact.
Among the affected sites are ancient caravanserais, Sassanian-era ruins, and Safavid-era mosques. Preliminary reports indicate that some structures suffered partial collapses, while others experienced damage to facades and interior artifacts. The ministry emphasized that the cultural heritage of the nation is under threat, calling the attacks a deliberate assault on Iran's historical identity.
The United States and Israel have not issued official statements regarding the specific damage to cultural monuments. Previous military engagements in the region have focused on strategic and military targets, but this announcement marks the first official acknowledgment of widespread harm to civilian heritage sites.
Iranian officials have called for international intervention to document the damage and hold the responsible parties accountable. The ministry indicated that it is coordinating with UNESCO and other international bodies to assess the preservation needs of the affected monuments. Emergency conservation teams have been deployed to secure vulnerable sites and prevent further deterioration.
The announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic friction between Tehran and Western powers. Iranian state media has broadcast images of the damaged sites, showing cracked walls, debris, and scorched stone. The ministry said that restoration efforts will be complicated by the ongoing security situation in the region.
Questions remain regarding the specific methods used in the attacks and whether the damage was intentional or collateral. The ministry has not released a detailed list of the 149 affected monuments, citing security concerns. International observers are awaiting further details before assessing the long-term implications for Iran's cultural landscape.
As of Thursday evening, the ministry had not announced any casualties among the personnel working at the sites, though access to several provinces remains restricted. The situation continues to develop as officials work to stabilize the damaged structures and prepare for a comprehensive restoration plan.