Ongoing Investigations
Saving Lut
Road Construction and Threats to the Lut Desert
Location: Lut Desert, Iran
Status: Ongoing Investigation
Research Focus: Natural Heritage | Infrastructure Development | Environmental Protection
The Forensic Archive of Iran is investigating reported road construction through the northern kaluts of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lut Desert. Local testimony attributes the works to Mahan Air and raises questions about their necessity, environmental impacts, and justification under tourism development. The investigation seeks to establish the chronology and extent of construction, identify the responsible actors and authorisations, and assess potential threats to the landscape's Outstanding Universal Value, local livelihoods, and public access. Particular attention is given to institutional accountability and the growing influence of commercial interests over Iran's protected natural landscapes.
Iranian Antiquities in the Sanctions Gap
Cultural Property Trafficking, Wartime Looting, and Enforcement Reform
Location: Iran and International Antiquities Markets
Status: Ongoing Investigation
Research Focus: Illicit Trafficking | Sanctions and Import Controls | Enforcement Reform
The Forensic Archive of Iran is investigating the risks of illicit trafficking and international market circulation of Iranian antiquities following the outbreak of war on 28 February 2026. Combining provenance research, open-source investigation, antiquities market analysis, and comparative legal research, the project examines potential gaps in sanctions, import controls, and enforcement mechanisms, with particular attention to U.S. legislation. The investigation aims to identify emerging trafficking risks and develop evidence-based recommendations for cultural property protection and enforcement reform.
Iran Heritage Unit
Safeguarding, Risk, and Accountability
Location: Iran (Heritage Sites) | International (Project Leadership and Coordination)
Status: Ongoing Investigation | Findings Published
Research Focus: Heritage Governance | Civilian Protection | Risk Assessment
The Forensic Archive of Iran is investigating the Iran Heritage Unit (Yegan-e Miras-e Iran), an initiative launched by Reza Pahlavi to mobilise civilian volunteers in protecting Iran's cultural and natural heritage. The investigation examines the initiative's public database of vulnerable heritage sites, proposed volunteer protection model, and associated risks to archaeological sites, heritage workers, and local communities.
Particular attention is given to information security, volunteer safety, institutional oversight, and the potential consequences of exposing sensitive heritage information without adequate safeguards.