Iran Accuses US, Israel of Damaging Historic Sites in Bombing Campaign

The governor of the historic Iranian city of Isfahan has accused the United States and Israel of a “declaration of war on a civilization,” alleging their bombing campaign has damaged key heritage sites The most significant damage reported is to Tehran’s Golestan Palace, which dates to the 14th century, and the 17th-century Chehel Sotoon Palace in Isfahan According to reports and video evidence, the buildings were not struck directly. Instead, shockwaves from nearby blasts and possible missile debris are said to have shattered glass, tiles, and masonry Video from Tehran reportedly shows the Golestan Palace’s renowned hall of mirrors extensively damaged, with pieces of mirrorwork covering the floor This development introduces a new dimension to the conflict, highlighting the risk to irreplaceable cultural artifacts amid military operations and the potential for such damage to inflame regional tensions.