Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage has formally called on the Director-General of UNESCO to denounce what Tehran says are Israeli threats to strike the country’s railway network, a key infrastructure link and internationally recognised heritage site. The trans-Iranian railway, a 1,394-kilometre line connecting the Caspian Sea with the Persian Gulf and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021, was cited in the letter as part of “humanity’s common heritage,” with Iranian officials urging the agency to take a clear stance to deter any military action.
The appeal comes amid heightened tensions and conflict in the region, with the Israeli military issuing warnings to Iranian civilians to avoid railways and infrastructure due to safety risks from potential strikes.