Iran cultural antiquities

Persepolis, the Azadi tower, the shrine to Ayatollah Khomeini and the Royal Golestan Palace are considered important cultural sites in Iran and might be targets according to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Section:Gallery

Mon., Jan. 6, 2020

In this May 22, 2002 file photo, a group of Japanese tourists visit Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, northeast of the Iranian city of Shiraz. Iran's ancient and rich cultural landscape has become a potential U.S. military target as Washington and Tehran stumble toward a possible open conflict.

Vahid Salemi Ap
In this March 29, 2014 file photo, the Azadi (Freedom) tower is illuminated in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Iran's ancient and rich cultural landscape has become a potential U.S. military target as Washington and Tehran stumble toward a possible open conflict.

Ebrahim Noroozi Ap
In this Jan. 19, 2019 file photo the shrine of Iran's revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini is seen, just outside of Tehran, Iran. The ancient and rich cultural landscape of Iran has become a potential U.S. military target as Washington and Tehran stumble toward a possible open conflict. Iran, home to 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites, has in the past reportedly guarded the sprawling tomb complex of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, with surface-to-air missiles.

Ebrahim Noroozi Ap
This Oct. 27, 1960 file photo, shows a partial view of the Throne Hall of the Royal Golestan Palace, in Tehran, Iran. President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, that if Iran targets any American assets to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general, the U.S. has 52 Iranian sites it will hit, including ones “important to Iran & Iranian culture."

Jim Pringle Ap