Al Jazeera reporter Tohid Asadi recently visited the Golestan Palace in Tehran, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that Iran says suffered significant damage from US-Israeli military actions in the early stages of the ongoing conflict. The palace. A symbol of Persian architecture and history, was reportedly struck during the first month of the war, which began in late 2025.

Damage to a Cultural Landmark

The Golestan Palace. Built in the early 19th century. Is one of Iran’s most iconic structures and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013. According to Iran’s cultural ministry. The palace sustained damage to its upper floors and surrounding gardens during an air strike on March 12, 2026, according to Al Jazeera. The strike reportedly occurred just days after the war began, as the conflict escalated rapidly between Iran and a coalition led by the United States and Israel.

Officials from Iran’s National Heritage Foundation confirmed that at least three wings of the palace were damaged, with some areas of the building requiring extensive repairs. The foundation stated that the damage could cost an estimated $500 million to fully restore, according to Al Jazeera. This figure includes not only the physical reconstruction but also the preservation of historical artifacts housed within the palace.

Asadi, who accompanied a team of engineers and historians to the site, described the scene as ‘heartbreaking.’ ‘The palace was once a symbol of Persian culture and diplomacy,’ he said. ‘Now, it stands as a symbol of the war’s toll on irreplaceable heritage.’

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Golestan Palace was the seat of the Qajar dynasty and played a central role in Iran’s modernization during the 19th century, while it was also where the 1925 Iranian constitution was signed, marking a key moment in the country’s political history. The palace’s architecture, which blends Persian, Ottoman, and European influences, has made it a unique cultural landmark.

Iran has long been concerned about the preservation of its cultural heritage, especially amid rising tensions with Western powers. In recent years, the country has faced multiple instances of damage to historical sites, including the destruction of ancient sites in Syria and Iraq, which were also linked to regional conflicts. The Golestan Palace, however, is the first major Iranian UNESCO site to be directly impacted by strikes from foreign powers.

‘This is not just a loss for Iran, but for the entire world,’ said Dr. Farideh Farzan, a cultural historian at Tehran University. ‘The Golestan Palace is a living piece of history, and its damage represents a deep wound to our shared human heritage.’

International Response and Future Repairs

The damage to the Golestan Palace has drawn international attention, with UNESCO and several global cultural organizations calling for an investigation into the incident. UNESCO has stated that the destruction of such sites ‘violates international law and the principles of cultural preservation.’ The agency has also offered assistance in assessing the extent of the damage and planning restoration efforts.

Iran has not yet announced whether it will seek international aid for the restoration of the palace. However, cultural officials have said that any foreign assistance must be carefully evaluated to ensure it aligns with Iran’s national interests and does not compromise the integrity of the site. ‘We are exploring all options,’ said a spokesperson for the National Heritage Foundation, ‘but we must proceed with caution.’

Repairs to the Golestan Palace are expected to take several years, with initial assessments scheduled to begin in April 2026. The restoration process will require a multidisciplinary team of architects, historians, and conservationists to ensure that the palace is preserved accurately and safely.

The incident has also reignited debates about the protection of cultural sites during times of war. Experts argue that international laws, such as the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, must be enforced more strictly to prevent similar damage in the future.

‘The Golestan Palace was not a military target,’ said Asadi. ‘Its destruction is a clear violation of international norms and a deep loss for all of us.’