More than 200 cultural figures sign statement criticising international response to destruction of Iran’s heritage

More than 200 scholars and cultural heritage professionals signed a statement condemning what they call “irreversible damage” to Iran’s heritage by the United States and Israel, and criticizing what they see as an inadequate international response. The statement cites the 1954 Hague Convention and argues the conduct “may give rise to violations of international law,” adding that responsibility also falls on states that fail to condemn or restrain violators. It follows a separate legal letter signed by more than 100 U.S.-based international law experts alleging the attacks violated the UN Charter and raising concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law, including possible war crimes. Since US-Israeli strikes began on 28 February (now halted under a ceasefire), Iran’s forensic chief reported more than 3,000 deaths, while the scholars’ statement claims more than 130 registered UNESCO and national monuments and museums were damaged, citing examples including Tehran’s Senate Palace and noting remarks by U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseth about not being constrained by “stupid rules of engagement.”

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