Athens: A cultural diplomacy event held in Greece's capital, Athens, brought together scholars, diplomats, and cultural figures to denounce the deliberate targeting of Iran's historical and cultural heritage during the recent conflict. The exhibition and academic forum, titled Examining the US and Israeli Attacks on Iran's Cultural and Historical Sites, was held on April 16, 2026, at the Lofos Art Project Center with support from Iran's Cultural Mission in Greece. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the event utilized a blend of visual art and scholarly analysis to highlight the humanitarian and civilizational implications of attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime on Iran's historical sites. Documentary photographs showcased the ruins of ancient buildings and monuments that suffered damage from missile strikes. During a panel discussion, international scholars explored the philosophical, cultural, and legal dimensions of the issue. A philosopher likened the destruction of heritage to the burning of time, underscoring Iran's enduring cultural voice despite the devastation. Iranian scholar Mohammad Reza Bahmani referred to such acts as identity terrorism, describing them as attempts to erase or rewrite collective human history. He called for the establishment of a transnational movement to safeguard cultural heritage as a fundamental human right. A legal expert pointed out flaws in international conventions that permit military necessity to be used as a justification for cultural destruction. The expert cautioned that repeated threats by US officials to target cultural sites indicate the normalization of cultural violence within the international system.