Iran: International Law and the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Times of War

The humanitarian toll and widespread disruption of life caused by the relentless bombing campaigns in the war on Iran since February 28, 2026, are tragic. Equally significant is the destruction of monuments of profound cultural importance to Iran and Iranians.

Join us for ‘Iran: International Law and the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Times of War’ presented by Courtauld Trans-Asias in partnership with the Iran Heritage Foundation. 

📆 Tuesday, 12th May 2026
⏱️ 17:30 – 19:00
📍The Courtauld Institute of Art, Vernon Square Campus, Lecture Theatre 2, London WC1X 9EW
🔗 Free, booking essential please click here to register

This event is now fully booked

This event brings together a panel of experts on Iranian heritage, from antiquities to modern times, and an expert in international law, to offer insights and discuss the destruction of monuments and the significance and future of World Heritage as a shared global concern.

🔹 Sussan Babaie, Professor in the Arts of Iran and Islam, Courtauld Institute.

🔹 Dr John Curtis, FBA, Keeper Emeritus, Ancient Iran and Iraq, the British Museum, and former Chief Executive Officer of the Iran Heritage Foundation.

🔹 Dr Lindsay Allen, Lecturer in Greek & Near Eastern History, King’s College London.

🔹 Professor Roger O’Keefe, Professor of International Law, Department of Legal Studies, Bocconi University, Milan


🔹 Dr Peyvand Firouzeh, Islamic Art, University of Cambridge.

Organised by Sussan Babaie, Professor in the Arts of Iran and Islam, as part of the Research Cluster Courtauld Trans-Asias, in collaboration with the Iran Heritage Foundation.