Two associations representing museums and museum directors are condemning President Donald Trump's recent suggestion that Iranian cultural sites would be targeted by the U.S. military during an armed conflict.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Trump threatened to target Iranian cultural sites as part of any military action against the country. White House officials appeared to walk back the president's comments the following day, but Trump reiterated the threat when asked about it by reporters.

The American Alliance of Museums and Association of Art Museum Directors both issued statements Monday noting that targeting cultural sites during military action would violate international law. They also both pointed to the United States' history of protecting the cultural heritage of other nations during times of war, such as the creation of the "Monuments Men" during World War II to save art treasures from the Nazis.

"We expect the United States government to comply with international law and urge the U.S. government to reaffirm its commitment to its longstanding practice of not targeting cultural sites during peace or wartime," AAM said in a statement.

AAMD pressured for the U.S. to take steps to preserve cultural sites in both Iran and Iraq, where some of the fighting would likely take place should the U.S. and Iran expand hostilities.

"AAMD deplores the tactic of targeting or demolishing cultural sites as part of any war or armed conflict," the group said in a statement. "In this case, the region is home to unique and irreplaceable artifacts and archaeological sites, and AAMD strongly urges international engagement to protect and preserve our shared cultural heritage."

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