On Friday, Mehdi Hosseini Matin took to Twitter to announce a significant development regarding an ancient artifact from the Sasanian Empire (AD 224-651).

According to Matin, the Iranian embassy successfully received the antiquity after its three-month exhibition at the British Museum.

This precious treasure had been confiscated by British border police officers back in January 2016 at Stansted Airport near London, MEHR News Agency reported.

Originally bound for the black market in Britain, the artifact’s suspicious packaging led to its interception.

The remarkable relief, standing over one meter tall, showcases a commanding male figure. It was either skillfully carved in situ or extracted from living rock.

Experts estimate its value to be more than £30 million. This unique piece is believed to have originated from Iran’s Fars Province, where numerous Sasanian rock reliefs are found.

Written by staff