#Iran – According to statements from a cathedral cleric to Russia’s TASS news agency and the Russian embassy in Tehran, two strikes occurred near the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church. The main building, almshouse, and some technical facilities sustained damage (including a partially collapsed ceiling, debris, and blown-out windows), but there were no casualties.
Whether the church was the original target or not remains unclear. Since the Iran War began in late February, primary targets in the region have included military sites, government buildings, and critical infrastructure. However, as a part of that campaign, non-governmental structures have also been hit as ‘collateral’ damage. For example, the Russian consulate in Isfahan earlier in the conflict and various civilian/religious sites. The targeting of religious / Christian sites is not uncommon for the IDF as since the Gaza war began in October 2023, numerous churches and religious areas have been damaged and destroyed. In addition, anti-Christian sentiments are common in Israel with settlers intruding on Christian villages and settlements in both Israel and Palestine. Last month, the IDF had killed a Maronite priest in an artillery strike, which they claimed to have been collateral damage as well.
Russia has condemned aspects of the strikes and noted damage to its diplomatic and religious sites in Iran. Iranian state media and Russian sources (e.g., MFA, embassy) have highlighted the church incident. Claims circulating on social media and some outlets frame this as part of efforts to “drag” Russia into the conflict, given Russia’s ties to Iran, but available reporting treats it as collateral damage in urban strikes rather than intentional targeting of Russian Orthodox property.
Pictures taken of the incident, courtesy of X user (@EthanLevins2)
Image: Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Tehran. Picture taken in 2017.
