As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, one of Iran's most treasured cultural landmarks has been caught in the fallout. 

The Golestan Palace – often known as the "Rose Palace" – was damaged during recent airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, according to Iranian authorities. The site, located in the historic heart of Tehran, has long stood as a symbol of Iran’s royal past.

Literally meaning the "Palace of Flowers," the Golestan Palace was once the seat of power for the Qajar Dynasty. Much of the complex as it stands today took shape in the 19th century. Eight main buildings are arranged around a landscaped garden, blending Persian craftsmanship with European neoclassical influences.

In 2013, UNESCO inscribed the palace on its World Heritage List, calling it a masterpiece of the Qajar era. It remains a touchstone for Iranian artists and architects, a place where design, ceremony and history intersect.

On March 3, the Iranian government released a series of social media posts showing damage to the complex. Video footage shared by Iranian officials and regional broadcaster Al Jazeera showed shattered windows, broken wooden doors and sections of the palace's signature mirrorwork strewn across interior floors.

In a statement posted the same day, UNESCO confirmed that the site had been impacted on March 2 by fragments and shockwaves from the airstrikes. It also expressed concern about the protection of cultural heritage as violence in the region continues to escalate.

For many Iranians, the damage goes way beyond bricks and glass. Golestan Palace is not only a royal residence of the past, but a living archive of artistic memory — one now bearing the marks of a widening conflict.