Cultural loss in Iran: 140 historic sites hit in US-Israeli strikes

Around 140 Iranian historical sites across 20 provinces were damaged in US-Israeli strikes between February 28 and April 7, with total losses estimated at 7.5 trillion tomans (approximately $49 million), Iran’s state news agency IRNA reports.

Iran’s Minister for Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri said the figures are based on initial assessments and could be updated as further evaluations are completed.

He noted Tehran recorded the highest number of affected sites with 63, followed by Isfahan with 23 and Golestan with 12.

The minister added that cultural assets across several regions sustained extensive damage throughout the reporting period.

The United States and Israel carried out a joint military campaign against Iran starting February 28. In response, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. Iran also restricted maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz.

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran was announced on April 8, brokered by Pakistan, as part of efforts toward a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict, which has resulted in thousands of casualties.

By Jeyhun Aghazada