Damage caused to the World Heritage site of Golestan Palace by the US-Israeli airstrike Photo: @Iran_GOV on X

　　The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has acknowledged reports of damage to the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tehran, following airstrikes in the Iranian capital. In an exclusive response to Global Times inquiries, the UN cultural agency detailed its ongoing monitoring efforts and reiterated the obligations of all parties under international law to protect cultural property during armed conflict.

　　Golestan Palace was reportedly damaged on March 2 by debris and the shock wave following the US-Israeli airstrike to Arag Square, located in the buffer zone of the site in the Iranian capital.

　　"UNESCO is not currently in a position to independently confirm the extent or precise nature of any reported damage to the World Heritage property "Golestan Palace"," it said.

　　In a detailed written statement sent to the Global Times, UNESCO stated that it is conducting a first level of assessment using all available and credible information, including public reporting and satellite imagery, to prioritize sites that may require further verification. A detailed, on-the-ground assessment is anticipated to proceed in successive phases, subject to security conditions and access. This process typically involves remote sensing to map suspected damage, followed, where feasible, by the deployment of qualified experts for physical verification using recognized methodologies, it said.