Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized Rubio’s statements about the Persian Empire, saying those seeking to invade Iranian territory had returned “in disgrace” throughout history.
Rezaei also said Rubio’s remarks targeted Iran and evoked the idea of a clash of civilizations.
Publishing an image on his social media account, Rezaei shared a depiction of the Roman emperor kneeling before Shapur I.
Rezaei said those who, after suffering defeat and humiliation against Iran, went to Athens and tried to create a narrative of a war of civilizations should also read another page of history. Pointing to the page showing the Roman emperor kneeling before Sasanian Emperor Shapur, Rezaei said, “Anyone who brings history into the current debate should also be prepared for history to repeat itself.”

Rubio’s speech in Athens
Rubio arrived in Athens, the capital of Greece, on October 8 for the sixth round of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue.
In a speech on the historic Acropolis Hill, Rubio targeted the Persian Empire and described the Persians as invaders.