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Marco Rubio’s Taj Mahal visit NEW DELHI: The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad on Monday took a swipe at US secretary of state Marco Rubio over his visit to the Taj Mahal, saying the iconic monument was built by “the genius of Iranian architects” while accusing the United States of threatening Iranian civilisation.Rubio, who is on a four-day visit to India, visited the Mughal-era monument in Agra along with his wife Jeanette Rubio on Monday and described the Taj Mahal as “one of the love treasures of the world”.Soon after the visit, the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran-Hyderabad posted a sharp message on X targeting the US administration.“If Rubio knew the history or architecture, he wouldn’t have posed for a picture here. 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 civilisation, insulting other civilisations,” the Iranian Consulate said in its post.The post also carried a photograph of Rubio and his wife posing in front of the Taj Mahal.Remark linked to Trump’s warning during Iran conflictThe Iranian Consulate’s statement appeared to reference remarks made earlier by Donald Trump during the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict.Trump had said on April 7: “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if a deal is not reached,” while warning Iran amid escalating hostilities.The US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes and escalating tensions across West Asia.Rubio’s India visit Rubio’s India visit comes ahead of the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Quad grouping includes India, the US, Australia and Japan.Rubio also visited the Amber Fort in Jaipur with his wife and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.During his visit to the Taj Mahal, Rubio wrote in the visitors’ book, “Thank You For Allowing Us To Visit One Of The Love Treasures Of The World.”Security arrangements were tightened around the Taj Mahal during Rubio’s visit, with tourists temporarily moved out of certain sections of the monument complex.Iran rejects Rubio’s recent remarks on energy marketThe latest remarks by the Iranian Consulate come a day after Iran rejected Rubio’s comments accusing Tehran of “holding the global energy market hostage”.In a statement issued by the Iranian Embassy in India, Tehran accused Washington of attempting to “distort the realities of the region” and defended its role in global energy trade.The statement said US sanctions on Iranian oil exports had disrupted global energy markets and were imposed “in violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations”.Rubio, meanwhile, had said the US would not allow Iran to “hold the global energy market hostage” and stressed that Washington wanted the Strait of Hormuz to remain open without tolls.Speaking on the ongoing negotiations with Iran, Rubio had also said, “Work is still in progress. We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today”.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAIADMK Faces Major Setback As Three MLAs Resign From Shanmugam–Velumani Faction In Tamil NaduFormer MLA Alka Lamba Found Guilty In Women Reservation Protest Case; Court To Pronounce Sentence’To Serve As Deterrent To Others’: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Swift Action In Sexual Crime CasesCongress Leader P L Punia Urges Immediate Seat Sharing Talks With SP Ahead Of UP PollsUPSC Prelims 2026 Called Toughest Ever As Aspirants Struggle With Lengthy GS Paper | WatchMamata Banerjee Expresses Support For “Cockroach Janta Party” Amid Rising Digital Protest MovementAssam UCC Bill Explained: Mandatory Live-In Registration, Polygamy Ban & Big Privacy QuestionsWhy BSP’s Revival Could Become Akhilesh Yadav’s Biggest Challenge In Uttar Pradesh‘Fuel, Fertilizer, Forex’: Nirmala Sitharaman Sounds Alarm, Says Govt May Lose Rs 1 Lakh Cr RevenueSupreme Court Backs CBI Probe In Twisha Sharma Case, Warns Against Media Trial And Public Pressure123Photostories‘There is no reason not to follow your heart’: 7 life lessons to teach kids from Steve Jobs’ iconic speechShoaib Ibrahim reveals father suffered brain hemorrhage and is admitted to ICU; says ‘He had internal bleeding’10 small habits that could quietly change your life by the end of 2026Sattu vs Besan: Which is more nutritious in summer and 3 easy ways to consume themBill Gates’ iconic lakeside property worth $130 million is a futuristic mansion with rare books and underwater musicIndia’s 5 most dangerous roads with stunning views; here’s what adventure seekers must know firstOTT releases this week: ‘Jolly LLB 3’, ‘Spider-Noir’, ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ and more titles to watchHow to use turmeric ice cubes for naturally glowing skinSuccess quote of the day by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg: “The biggest risk is…”Inside Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan’s stunning Kochi home, filled with luxury and simplicity123Hot PicksDelhi heatwaveKerala LSS USS Result Official WebsiteDHSE Kerala plus two resultUPSC prelims 2026Mumbai local train newsIran US TalksFM SitharamanTop TrendingAlka LambaDelhi GymkhanaAmbala Triple MurderCoimbatore Rape MurderCockroach Janta PartyScott RemerNepal Plastic RoadsMegan Thee StallionBandra DemolitionWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana