Message from the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO on the Recent U.S.–Israeli Attacks on Iranian Territory

In the Name of God

The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO strongly condemns the destruction of and extensive damage to the manifestations of Iran’s ancient culture and civilization, including the unparalleled World Heritage ensemble of Isfahan, the iconic Azadi Tower in Tehran, Golestan Palace and the Sa’dabad Complex, historical heritage sites in Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Khorramabad, as well as libraries, museums, and cultural and artistic buildings that embody the creative spirit of the Iranian people.

The tragedies resulting from the barbaric attacks, which violate international law and have been carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime—two former UNESCO members that withdrew from the Organization in recent years—have brought profound sorrow to the people of Iran and freedom-loving people around the world.

Yet we must not forget that Iran is home to one of the world’s great civilizations. Throughout history, its people have drawn on their strong sense of shared identity to resist enemy invasions and, through the power of their flourishing culture and civilization, compelled aggressors to bow before their unwavering resolve and the rich culture and civilization of this ancient land.

May God, during this blessed month of Ramadan and on the eve of the joyous celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and the ancient festival of Nowruz—both inscribed on UNESCO’s international lists of intangible cultural heritage—bestow goodness, light, and peace upon the people and land of Iran.