Tehran, Iran – A speech by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, delivered against the backdrop of the Acropolis in Athens, has elicited varied responses from Iranian officials amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. Rubio characterized the United States as the successor to ancient Western civilization, asserting that the threats faced by modern Western nations are comparable to those of antiquity. He referenced the ancient Greco-Persian Wars, specifically the Persian destruction of Athens in 480 BC under King Xerxes I, to illustrate the resilience of Western civilization against external threats. Rubio stated, "The threats we face today are every bit as real as they were on the dramatic stage of antiquity," and criticized Iran's leadership as "fanatics" who utilize martyrdom for political gain.
Iranian officials, including security chief Mohsen Rezaei and parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, responded critically, invoking historical figures to emphasize the potential for historical repetition. Rezaei remarked, "Anyone who brings history into this must be prepared for its repetition." The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Rubio of oversimplifying complex historical narratives and suggested that his rhetoric serves to justify military actions against Iran. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Rubio's speech relied on an "anachronism" to legitimize coercive policies.
The US and Iran have been engaged in hostilities since February 28, when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran. Although direct fighting has decreased, the US maintains a naval blockade on Iran, disrupting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Culture Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri called for respectful dialogue regarding Iran's historical significance, asserting that it is a living civilization with a rich history.
Iranian historian Touraj Daryaei noted that while Rubio's account of the sack of Athens was accurate, it omitted the context of retaliation for earlier Persian losses. A Tehran resident expressed discontent with Rubio's historical references, suggesting they were used to support ongoing conflict. Rubio had previously acknowledged the cultural pride of Iranians, indicating a disconnect between the Iranian populace and its government.
The US's military actions and sanctions have adversely affected the Iranian public more than the government, with many Iranians expressing skepticism about the US's intentions. Iranian state media criticized Rubio's speech, framing it as an attempt to provide ideological support for US military actions. Vali Nasr, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, suggested that Rubio's rhetoric aims to unify the West against Iran, reflecting US frustrations with European responses to the conflict. Nasr also noted that recent US actions, including a deal involving Russian diesel fuel, may signal a shift in focus towards Iran as the primary adversary for the West.