more unesco sites damaged in isfahan and lebanon democrats probe whereabouts of millions given to fund trump library morning links for march 11 2026 1234777032
Recent airstrikes have caused significant damage to several UNESCO World Heritage sites and historical landmarks across Iran and Lebanon. In Isfahan, the 17th-century Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Ali Qapu Palace, and the Jame Abbasi Mosque suffered damage, while in Lebanon, strikes impacted the Al-Bass archaeological site in the ancient city of Tyre. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have launched an investigation into $63 million in settlement payments intended for Donald Trump’s now-dissolved presidential library fund, raising concerns over the whereabouts of the capital.
These developments highlight the increasing vulnerability of global cultural heritage during regional conflicts and the ongoing political scrutiny surrounding presidential archives. The damage in Isfahan represents a major loss for Safavid-era architecture, while the library probe underscores the legal and ethical complexities of private funding for public-facing historical institutions. Additionally, the art world sees significant movement with Italy’s major Caravaggio acquisition and leadership changes at the Kimbell Art Museum.