Statement by the Iranian Diplomacy Association in Response to Marco Rubios Allegations

History Civilizational Identity and International Responsibility

The recent allegations by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State of the United States, in Athens concerning Xerxes and the Greco-Persian Wars once again underscore the necessity of a precise, comprehensive, and responsible reading of history, and of refraining from the selective exploitation of the past in contemporary political relations.

The history of relations between Iran and Greece, notwithstanding its ups and downs and historical conflicts, cannot be reduced to a simple and perpetual confrontation between East and West. A fair understanding of the past requires attention to historical contexts, the complexity of relations among nations, and the avoidance of reproducing identity dichotomies that define societies and civilizations in terms of "self" and "other." When historical events are divorced from their actual context and selectively placed in the service of contemporary politics, history is transformed from a domain of understanding and learning into an instrument for political demarcation and the reproduction of identity confrontations.

From this perspective, reading the Greco-Persian Wars within the framework of contemporary civilizational confrontation may contribute to the strengthening of a narrative of Western identity that defines itself in opposition to other civilizations. Such an approach carries the risk of simplifying history, disregarding interactions and bonds among nations, and exacerbating cultural and civilizational divides. At the same time, neither Europe nor America consists of monolithic and homogeneous societies, and within Western societies themselves there exist diverse perspectives on history, identity, interests, and the manner of interacting with other civilizations. Therefore, no single narrative can be regarded as representative of all the experiences and viewpoints existing within these societies.

The significance of this matter is compounded when historical narratives are employed to justify unilateral approaches in international politics. A sustainable international order is founded upon the sovereign equality of States, respect for the independence and territorial integrity of countries, and practical commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Recourse to double standards and the prioritization of political considerations over shared international rules not only undermines the element of trust in international relations but also calls into question the normative credibility of those who claim to defend a rules-based order. No power, irrespective of its political, economic, or military capabilities, should consider international rules subordinate to its own unilateral will.

Iran, possessing a long-standing civilizational heritage, a deeply rooted national identity, and historical experience in confronting foreign intervention and threats, emphasizes the necessity of respecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The experience of imposed wars, including the second and third imposed wars, has once again demonstrated that Iranian society possesses a considerable capacity for resilience, the preservation of national cohesion, and the defense of its independence and territorial integrity. The will of the Iranian nation to safeguard its faith and homeland will not be weakened by military  threats and foreign pressures. At the same time, Iran's historical experience serves as a reminder of the fact that sustainable security is achieved not through threats and the imposition of will, but through mutual respect, observance of the rights of nations, and adherence to share International rules.

The Iranian Diplomacy Association believes that academics, researchers, think tanks, responsible media, and civil society actors bear an important responsibility in countering the distortion and selective exploitation of history and in promoting a culture of dialogue, mutual respect, and coexistence among nations. The safeguard of the independence of states, the prohibition of the unlawful resort to force, and support for the unity and territorial integrity of governments must constitute fundamental principles of responsible dialogue in the international arena.

The world today, more than ever before, requires wisdom, responsibility, and genuine commitment to shared rules. History must not be transformed into an instrument for legitimizing contemporary confrontations and reproducing civilizational demarcations. A safer and more stable future will be realized not through the revival of historical rivalries and the exacerbation of identity divides, but through mutual respect, equal dialogue among nations, and the practical commitment of all governments—particularly the major powers—to the principles and rules of international law.