Iran MFA: Destruction of synagogue is a war crime

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the United States and Israel of being responsible for the destruction of a synagogue in Tehran.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the statement was made by the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baghaei. He strongly condemned the destruction of the historic Rafieinia synagogue located in the capital, describing the incident as a "vile war crime."

Writing on the X social media platform, Baghaei emphasized that the demolition of the synagogue constitutes an insult to religious heritage. According to the spokesperson, the incident occurred during Jewish holidays. He further added that such attacks are met with indignation by the Iranian people and asserted that the country remains determined in its right to self-defense.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and a complex security environment in the Middle East. Historically, Iran has been home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the region outside of Israel, with several active synagogues and religious sites maintained in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. The protection of religious sites remains a sensitive issue in international law, often cited under the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.