Zionist Regime's New Conspiracy Against Iran

Grosi's irresponsible statements, dictated directly by the Zionist regime, are not only a gross violation of international law, but also sound the alarm of an attack on the millennia-old heritage of humanity!

News ID: 86384

Date: 29 June 2025 - 10:35

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Iran, a land with a millennia-old civilization, holds an unparalleled treasure of historical and cultural heritage that not only represents the identity and history of this nation but also constitutes part of humanity's shared legacy. The protection of these artifacts, particularly against external threats and baseless accusations that may lead to their destruction or looting, is of critical importance under both international law and Iran's domestic legislation.

Recently, the remarks by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), regarding Iran's nuclear activities and unfounded claims about threats to historical sites, especially in cities like Isfahan, have sparked widespread concern among Iranian officials and cultural activists. These statements, viewed by many Iranian authorities as part of the political agenda of the Zionist regime, lack any legal or scientific basis and could have serious repercussions in the realms of international law, diplomatic relations, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The protection of cultural and historical heritage in times of peace and war is a fundamental principle of international law, enshrined in numerous legal instruments. The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict is one of the most important legal documents in this regard. As a signatory to this convention, Iran is committed to safeguarding its cultural heritage against any hostile acts. Article 4 of the convention explicitly prohibits deliberate attacks on cultural property and considers such acts war crimes. This obligation reflects the global consensus on the importance of preserving cultural heritage, particularly in regions like Iran, which boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan.

Additionally, the Second Protocol to the Hague Convention (1999) emphasizes the need to protect cultural property even in non-international conflicts and prescribes penalties for violations. The 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property obligates states to prevent the destruction and looting of cultural artifacts and enhances international cooperation for their restitution. With over 26 UNESCO-listed sites, Iran benefits from this convention, and any threat against these properties constitutes a blatant violation of international law.

The UN Security Council, in resolutions such as Resolution 2347 (2017), has also stressed the necessity of protecting cultural heritage from deliberate destruction, condemning such acts as crimes against humanity. This resolution calls for the prosecution of perpetrators and underscores the global commitment to cultural preservation.

Grossi’s remarks on Iran’s nuclear activities and alleged threats to historical sites, particularly in Isfahan, lack any credible or verifiable evidence. The accusations he made in an interview with Fox News not only contradict scientific and technical realities but also appear to be part of a political campaign to pressure Iran and justify the hostile actions of the Zionist regime. In absurd and baseless statements, Grossi claimed that Iran has hidden 480 kg of highly enriched uranium in an ancient site near Isfahan.

According to Iranian officials, including the Foreign Ministry spokesperson and members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis), Grossi has become an agent of the Zionist regime, and his statements are part of a political smear campaign against Iran. These unsubstantiated accusations reflect the Zionist regime’s political influence over international bodies and represent an attempt to create psychological pressure against Iran while justifying potential attacks on its cultural and historical sites.

Such statements could have far-reaching legal and diplomatic consequences:

1.       Grossi’s remarks violate the IAEA’s principle of neutrality. As a technical and specialized body, the IAEA is obligated to remain impartial in monitoring nuclear activities. Unfounded allegations could undermine the agency’s credibility and erode trust among member states, particularly non-aligned countries. This is reminiscent of the IAEA’s silence during the Zionist regime’s 12-day aggression against Iran, where the Director General failed to condemn attacks on nuclear, military, and civilian facilities.

2.       Threatening Iran’s historical heritage, even verbally, constitutes a clear breach of international obligations. Under the Hague Convention and UN Security Council resolutions, any threat or action against cultural property can be considered a war crime. If Grossi’s statements lead to actual measures, not only would he be held accountable, but the Zionist regime and its supporters could also face prosecution before international tribunals such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

3.       These remarks echo the reckless statements made by Trump in 2019, when he threatened to target 52 Iranian cultural sites, revealing that such claims stem from the malicious agenda of the Zionist regime and the U.S. Such rhetoric could escalate diplomatic tensions between Iran and the IAEA. As seen when the Iranian Parliament approved a bill mandating the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA by an overwhelming majority (221 votes in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention out of 223 present members), further provocations may trigger even stronger responses from Iran.

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, in a letter to UNESCO, emphasized the need to protect Iran’s cultural heritage amid Israel’s war threats. The backlash against Grossi’s baseless claims was not limited to the minister; 51 Iranian heritage associations across the country also sent a letter to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, invoking the 1954 Hague Convention, the 1972 World Heritage Convention, and UNSC Resolution 2347, which prohibits military actions endangering historical and cultural sites, and demanded UNESCO take action against any potential attacks by the U.S. and Israel.

In light of these developments, Iran must take decisive measures:

·         Strengthen cultural diplomacy and collaborate with international bodies like UNESCO to raise global awareness about the importance of its historical heritage.

·         Challenge Grossi’s accusations in international forums, such as the UN Security Council and ICC, demanding condemnation of his irresponsible statements. This could increase international pressure on the IAEA and its backers.

It must be remembered that Iran’s ancient and historical heritage, as part of humanity’s shared legacy, is protected under international and domestic laws. The baseless allegations by Rafael Grossi, which appear to serve the interests of the Zionist regime, not only lack legal and scientific merit but could also have severe consequences under international law. Iran, relying on its international commitments and domestic legislation, is resolute in defending its cultural heritage and will respond decisively to any threats.

The international community, particularly cultural and legal institutions, must take a firm stance against these irresponsible accusations to prevent the distortion and destruction of Iran’s history and culture. Defending this heritage means defending the identity and history of a nation that has withstood foreign threats for centuries and continues to shine as a beacon of civilization and culture in the world.