Joint Military Strikes Damage Historic Safavid Palace and Cultural Sites in Isfahan
Israeli and United States military forces conducted strikes in Isfahan, Iran, on March 10, 2026, as part of their ongoing conflict. The attacks reportedly damaged the 17th-century Chehel Sotoun palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the Safavid Empire. The palace sustained damage to its windows, decorative wall inlays, vaulted ceiling, and murals. Additional cultural institutions near the provincial government building, including several museums, were also affected. The strikes targeted military infrastructure in the region, which is known for industrial and nuclear facilities. Iranian officials and cultural figures have condemned the damage to heritage sites, noting their significance to both Iranian and global cultural history.
Key facts
- Strikes occurred in Isfahan, Iran, on March 10, 2026.
- The 17th-century Chehel Sotoun palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was damaged.
- Damage included shattered windows, decorative inlays, and cracked murals.
- Additional museums and cultural sites near the government complex were affected.
- The attacks are part of a joint military campaign by Israel and the United States targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
Entities
Institutions
- Chehel Sotoun palace
- Museum of Decorative Arts
- Natural History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- UNESCO
Locations
- Isfahan
- Iran
- United States
- Israel
- Tehran