Athens:Iran's Ambassador to the Vatican, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, has condemned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments about Iranian civilization made in Athens. Mokhtari described Rubio's remarks as grounded in ignorance and prejudice.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Mokhtari labeled Rubio's recent statements at the Acropolis as an 'unethical and provocative act,' accusing the US official of using the occasion to justify aggressive positions and threats against Iran.

Mokhtari emphasized that the history of human civilization should not be subject to political fantasies or judgments born of ignorance. He argued that civilizations are built over millennia through human effort and their legacies cannot be dismissed by superficial claims.

Highlighting Iran's historical and spiritual significance, Mokhtari referenced religious texts, noting that the Old Testament presents Cyrus the Great as a divinely chosen figure. He mentioned that the books of Ezra, Daniel, and Esther also highlight Persian kings and the Persian Empire's influence on historical events.

He also pointed to the Avesta, central to Zoroastrianism, as a reflection of Iran's spiritual heritage, emphasizing themes of truth, wisdom, and the battle against falsehood.

Mokhtari asserted that Iranian civilization's impact extended beyond physical conquests to include contributions to thought, culture, and spirituality. He concluded by urging for credible assessments of civilizations based on comprehensive research and factual evidence rather than selective narratives or political propaganda.