Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi-Amiri, has called for national and international recognition of the Minab tragedy, describing it as a “historical crime” comparable to events such as Hiroshima and the Vietnam War. Speaking during a visit to the Art Bureau on April 28, Salehi-Amiri outlined a detailed cultural strategy aimed at securing the event’s place in both Iranian and global historical consciousness.

Salehi-Amiri emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to commemorating the tragedy, proposing the establishment of an annual national observance marked by film, music, and poetry festivals dedicated to the martyrs of Minab. He described this as a “strategic necessity” for fostering cultural resilience, which he identified as a fundamental element of Iranian identity.

Central to the minister’s plan is the integration of the Minab narrative into educational curricula to ensure that future generations understand the event’s significance beyond mourning, drawing lessons for posterity. Salehi-Amiri also advocated for the creation of a “national symbol” representing Minab, intended to become a widely recognized emblem within Iranian society and incorporated into everyday life.

To further embed the memory of the tragedy in the public sphere, the minister proposed installing art displays at prominent locations, including along routes to Imam Khomeini International Airport, aiming to raise awareness among both domestic and international audiences. He underscored the importance of government backing and professional coordination in deploying multimedia content—such as textbooks, digital stories, and other platforms—across various age groups.

The minister highlighted the role of the arts in preserving cultural memory and suggested that specialized festivals encompassing film, music, poetry, and visual arts should serve as an enduring vehicle for remembrance. In addition, Salehi-Amiri called for a global cultural diplomacy effort, recommending the formation of an international task force to promote recognition of the Minab tragedy in global forums.

Acknowledging the influence of technology, he pointed to the potential of modern digital tools in disseminating the Minab story, particularly to engage younger populations. Overall, Salehi-Amiri positioned the commemoration of the Minab tragedy as a multifaceted cultural initiative aimed at reinforcing national identity and establishing the event as a significant historical reference on the world stage.