According to Iranian press reports, a series of Israeli airstrikes reportedly struck several areas located within a three-kilometer radius of the Taq-e Bostan archaeological site near Kermanshah in westernIran between Saturday and Sunday (June 14-June 2025). The area is home to one of the most important monumental complexes dating back to Sasanian times and represents a significant historical and cultural heritage for the entire country. Explosions generated by the attacks caused violent tremors that, again according to Iranian sources, threatened the integrity of the ancient structures. Taq-e Bostan is listed as part of Iran’s national heritage and is included inUNESCO ’s provisional list for World Heritage status. The complex is known for its monumental rock reliefs carved into the rock, which include two arched porticoes, the Great and Little Ivan, and a series of commemorative sculptures dedicated to the rulers of the Sasanian dynasty. The area is also home to a Parthian cemetery, an ancient village known as Morad-Hassel Tepe, and an area that was used as a hunting ground in Sasanian times.
The Iranian press also points out that the area targeted by the attacks also includes archaeological sites from the Paleolithic period, which are of primary importance for the study of early human communities in the region. These include the caves of Warwasi, Kobeh, Do-Ashkaft and Malaverd, which hold traces of settlements dating back some 12,000 years. According to archaeologists quoted by Iranian sources, the proximity of attacks on these sites heightens fears of structural damage and possible ultimate loss of evidence fundamental to human history.
The incident that, according to the Tehran Times, caused the most concern was on Sunday. In fact, an attack reportedly directly hit the Sorkheh Lizeh area near Emam Reza Hospital, damaging prehistoric rock sites in the area. Evidence in that area includes rock carvings and artifacts from the Neolithic period. According to the experts cited above, the destruction of these materials would result in irreversible loss to both Iranian heritage and global knowledge of human origins.
UNESCO, which has received the site’s official nomination for World Heritage recognition in the past, describes the Taq-e Bostan complex as unique in the quantity and quality of the preserved bas-reliefs, comparable only to some other important sites in ancient Iran, such as Naqsh-e Rostam, Naqsh-e Rajab, Chogan Tepe and Firouzabad. The reliefs also represent present important evidence of the social system, rituals and imperial symbolism of the time. In support of the nomination, Iranian authorities have provided historical documentation, travel accounts between the 19th and 20th centuries, and archaeological studies conducted by national and international academic institutions. Official statements regarding the authenticity of the site refer to the excellent state of preservation of the structures and the historical continuity of the available documentation, although archaeologists are concerned that any indirect damage, such as vibrations, shock waves, or structural alterations, could also compromise the delicate conservation balance of the rock works.
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| According to Iranian press, Israeli attacks threaten ancient Taq-e Bostan site in Iran |
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