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Consulate General of Iran in Hyderabad said that if Rubio “knew the history or architecture, he wouldn’t have posed for a picture here.”
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio with his wife Jeanette Rubio posed for a picture from their visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. (X/@IraninHyderabad)
The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad has taken a sharp swipe at US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following his visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, criticising both his understanding of the monument’s history and broader US foreign policy.
Marco Rubio, who is currently on a visit to India, shared a photograph on Monday from his trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Rubio was accompanied by his wife, Jeanette Rubio, and the couple posed for pictures on the iconic bench in front of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The image, however, quickly drew attention amid ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran. Shortly after Rubio posted the photograph, Iran used the moment to take a pointed swipe at the US Secretary of State, turning the visit into a fresh diplomatic flashpoint on social media.
In a post on X, the consulate said that if Rubio “knew the history or architecture,” he would not have posed for photographs at the Taj Mahal. It further claimed that the monument was built out of love for an emperor’s Iranian wife and was designed by the “genius of Iranian architects.”
The post also escalated into a wider political remark, alleging that while the monument reflects shared cultural heritage, the United States today threatens to “wipe out Iranian civilisation” and insults other cultures.
If Rubio knew the history or architecture, he wouldn’t have posed for a picture here. This monument was built out for the love of emperor’s Iranian wife, crafted by the genius of Iranian architects — meanwhile his government today threatens to wipe out Iranian civilization,… pic.twitter.com/zi4CNU3u7U— Iran In Hyderabad (@IraninHyderabad) May 25, 2026
Persian Roots Behind The Taj Mahal
Built in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is often described as a monument of love, created in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The tomb is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture with deep roots in Persian heritage, with its influences reflected across multiple aspects, from the royal family’s lineage to the artisans who designed and decorated the structure.
Mumtaz Mahal, born Arjumand Banu Begum, came from a prominent Persian noble family. Her father, Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan, was a high-ranking Persian nobleman.
Her grandfather, Mirza Ghiyas Beg (later titled I’timad-ud-Daulah), originally from Tehran, migrated to India in 1577 to serve in the court of Emperor Akbar. This lineage also made her the niece of Empress Nur Jahan, the chief consort of Emperor Jahangir.
Mumtaz Mahal’s mother, Diwanji Begum, was the daughter of Khwaja Ghiyasuddin, an esteemed Persian nobleman from Qazvin.
The Taj
The Taj Mahal is often regarded as one of the most prominent examples of Persian architecture outside present-day Iran. Its key design elements, such as the large bulbous double dome, detailed marble inlay work, and strict symmetry, are closely linked to Safavid Persian traditions.
Another strong Persian influence can be seen in the Charbagh Gardens, where the landscape is laid out in four quadrants divided by water channels symbolising the four rivers of paradise.
The Qur’anic verses inscribed on the marble surfaces were carefully selected and executed by the Persian calligrapher Abdul-Haq from Shiraz, Iran. He was later given the title “Amanat Khan” by Shah Jahan in recognition of his work.
Overall, the Taj Mahal represents a blend of Persian artistic and architectural principles combined with Indian craftsmanship and materials.
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