TEHRAN, Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (WNP): Iran on Wednesday condemned a missile strike that damaged the historic Golestan Palace complex in Tehran, describing the attack as a “heinous crime” targeting the country’s cultural heritage and warning that such actions constitute a grave violation of international law.

In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the missile strike on the historic Arg Square precinct caused damage to parts of the Golestan Palace complex—one of the most enduring symbols of the Iranian capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Baqaei said the attack appeared aimed at erasing elements of Iran’s historical identity and cultural legacy, describing the country as a cradle of ancient civilization whose heritage sites represent centuries of cultural and architectural history.

The spokesperson warned that deliberate attacks on cultural landmarks are prohibited under international humanitarian law. He cited the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which collectively classify intentional strikes on cultural heritage during armed conflict as serious violations.

According to Baqaei, any deliberate attack by the United States or Israel targeting Iran’s historical sites or cultural property would constitute a grave breach of international humanitarian law and could amount to a war crime.

The Golestan Palace complex, located in the heart of Tehran, dates back to the Qajar era and is widely regarded as one of Iran’s most significant historical and architectural landmarks.

Iranian authorities have yet to provide a detailed assessment of the extent of the damage, but officials said the incident has raised serious concerns about the protection of cultural heritage amid escalating regional tensions.

Tehran has called on the international community and cultural heritage bodies to condemn attacks on historical monuments and ensure accountability for any violations of international law.