“We saw a firm determination among Russian officials to properly introduce Iran’s culture, art, history, and cultural heritage through various programs,” Ayoubi told IRNA on Sunday on the sidelines of the 6th International Tourism Forum in Russia.

They are prepared to send their restorers to Iran promptly for the reconstruction of historical monuments, he added.

A large number of Russian citizens travel to neighboring countries of Iran each year, even though those destinations do not possess the vast attractions that our country enjoys, he noted.

Ayoubi went on to say that during this trip, an action plan for Tehran-Moscow tourism cooperation for 2026 to 2028 was signed by him and Russia’s deputy minister of economic development.

The Director General of World Heritage Sites at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Farhad Azizi had said that at least 56 museums, historical monuments, and cultural sites in various provinces across the country have suffered significant damage due to the war of aggression of the Israeli regime and the US against Iran.

In Tehran province, unique monuments such as the Golestan Palace, the historic Arg of Tehran, the Tehran Grand Bazaar, the Marble Palace, the Shahrbani Mansion, the former Senate building, the Sepahsalar Mosque, and the Farahabad Palace-Museum have all been targeted in direct attacks, he added.

Azizi noted, “In Isfahan Province, the Naqsh-e Jahan Square complex, which is registered on the World Heritage List, along with the Chehel Sotoun Palace, the Abbasi Grand Mosque, and parts of the historical city of Isfahan, have been targeted.”