Iranian diplomat takes a dig at Rubio for posing before Taj built by an emperor for his Iranian wife

By Amandeep Singh

Soon after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a photo of him and his wife posing before the Taj Mahal at Agra, an Iranian diplomat said he would not have posed before it if he knew it was a Persian architectural marvel built by an emperor for his Iranian wife.

Iran’s Consulate General in Hyderabad said “if Rubio knew the history or architecture” of the monument, “he wouldn’t have posed for a picture there” as his government is threatening to wipe out the Iranian civilization.

The remark comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

Sharing a photo of Rubio and his wife Jeanette Rubio seated before the Taj Mahal, the Iranian consulate said: If Rubio knew the history or architecture, he wouldn’t have posed for a picture here.

The diplomat further pointed out that Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who was of Iranian descent and stands testimony to the brilliance of Persian architects and artistry.

“This monument was built out of love for the emperor’s Iranian wife, crafted by the genius of Iranian architects — meanwhile his government today threatens to wipe out Iranian civilization, insulting other civilizations,” the post read.

The Taj Mahal, often seen as the ultimate monument to love, carries strong Persian influences in its architecture, art, and cultural legacy — a reminder of the historical ties between Persia and the Mughal empire.

Rubio, who visited the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s Amber Fort during his India trip, described the white-marble marvel as “one of the love treasures of the world.”

The visit to Taj gave Iran an opportunity to remind Washington of its rich history and civilization.