US Defense Secretary Reverses Trump Statement: "US Military Will Not Attack Cultural Heritage Sites"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stated on the 6th (local time) that Iran's cultural heritage sites are not targeted for attacks. This remark contrasts with U.S. President Donald Trump's threat that if Iran retaliates against the U.S., cultural heritage sites would also be attacked, drawing attention.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to CNN, Secretary Esper said on the same day, "The U.S. military will follow the rules related to armed conflict." When asked if this meant they would not attack Iran's cultural heritage sites, he replied, "That is the rule regarding armed conflict."

Earlier, President Trump mentioned in a meeting with reporters that attacks could be carried out on Iran's cultural heritage sites. President Trump said, "Iran can kill Americans, torture them, and plant bombs on the roadside to blow up Americans," adding, "(Yet) can the U.S. not touch Iran's cultural heritage sites? It should not be that way."

After this statement became known, criticism arose. Targeting military facilities or cultural heritage sites is not only a violation of international law but also contradicts the U.S. policy of avoiding attacks on cultural heritage sites. Even within the U.S. administration, there was criticism that President Trump's remarks went too far. The international community also expressed concern over President Trump's comments.

The international community has already stipulated through the 1954 Hague Convention that all countries must take necessary measures to protect cultural facilities and refrain from any hostile acts targeting cultural facilities.

Previously, the U.S. criticized the Taliban in 2012 when they destroyed the Bamiyan Caves, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, citing reasons such as idolatry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.