On February 2, the Iranian government reported that damage occurred to the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Tehran, potentially due to explosions from U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The reported damage includes shattered glass within the palace, which is currently under investigation to assess the full extent of the impact. Local residents indicated that the airstrikes seemed to target government-related facilities nearby, as well as the bustling Grand Bazaar normally thronged with shoppers.

UNESCO released a statement on the same day confirming that they are aware of the damage to the palace and have communicated geographical information about the site to relevant parties. The Golestan Palace, which served as a royal residence during the Qajar dynasty from the late 18th to early 20th centuries, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. The palace is widely regarded as an exemplary model of Persian architecture and is a significant symbol of Iranian cultural heritage.

The implications of such damage to a cultural landmark are severe, as it raises concerns about the preservation of historical sites amid ongoing military conflicts. The situation is likely to provoke international scrutiny regarding the impact of military actions on cultural heritage and the responsibilities of warring parties to protect such sites under international laws and agreements.