The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad criticised United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio after his visit to the Taj Mahal, saying the monument was built by the 'genius of Iranian architects' for an emperor’s Iranian wife. In a post on a social media platform, the consulate suggested that if Rubio knew the monument’s history, he would not have posed for photographs there while his government allegedly threatens Iranian civilisation.

Rubio, who is on a four day visit to India, described the Taj Mahal as 'one of the love treasures of the world' and also toured the Amber Fort in Jaipur. Security was tightened at the Taj Mahal during his visit, with some areas temporarily cleared of tourists.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States following joint attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran earlier this year. Iran has rejected Rubio’s accusations that it is holding the global energy market hostage, arguing that United States sanctions on its oil exports have disrupted markets and violated international law. Rubio has said Washington wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open and that negotiations with Iran are ongoing.