Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, in his recent speech in front of the Acropolis in Athens, referred to the attack of Xerxes' army on this city 2,500 years ago as a pretext to justify U.S. military actions against Iran. These remarks drew sharp reactions and criticisms from historians and Iranologists, who viewed it as an attempt to justify the bombing of Iran.
Historical Experience and Its Consequences
Rubio stated in this speech: "In 480 BC, the armies of Xerxes entered this city and set its sanctuaries on fire." He elaborated on the resistance of the Athenians against the Achaemenids and the destruction caused by this attack. According to him, these historical events represent a civilizational battle that somehow relates to the contemporary history of America and Iran.
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These statements by the U.S. Secretary of State faced severe criticism. Touraj Daryaee, a prominent historian and Iranologist, responded to these remarks by stating that this kind of thinking about Achaemenid history is erroneous. He said: "The issue was not a confrontation between East and West. The Achaemenids had a global empire that included a large number of Greek speakers." According to Daryaee, this type of narrative of history simply cannot reflect the complex realities of that time.
Iranophobia and New Approaches
Vali Reza Nasr, a university professor in the U.S., also criticized Rubio's statements on social media, saying that it seems he is promoting a new version of the 'clash of civilizations' theory. Nasr added that this time, instead of the confrontation between Islam and the West, Rubio presents a civilizational clash between Iran and the West. This shift in approach could lead to the emergence of a new Iranophobia, where historical evidence is misinterpreted.
Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, also reacted to Rubio's statements, urging him to study history thoroughly. He said: "When they go to Athens after defeat and humiliation against Iran, it is better for them to read another important part of history as well."
Meanwhile, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Parliament, also referred to this issue, stating: "We Iranians have faced those who declared themselves the lords of the world and sought to erase ancient civilizations from the pages of time." He referred to history and said that those who seek Alexander's legacy will meet a similar fate.
These remarks and statements have sparked widespread reactions in social media and the press, indicating a new tension in Iran-U.S. relations. Many experts believe that such approaches could lead to increased tensions and further conflicts.
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