In a post on his X account on Wednesday, Araqchi drew a comparison between Marco Rubio’s remarks and similar comments made eight years ago by then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, arguing that Washington’s economic coercion against Iran reflects a misguided policy that has also harmed the Cuban people.

“8 years ago a cartoon character like Pompeo said Iranians must follow White House diktat ‘if they want to eat’. Today, Rubio—whose fellow Cubans are victims of same policy—repeats that drivel,” Araqchi wrote.

“Forget about the inhumanity. It's the delusions that are producing failed U.S. policy,” the top Iranian diplomat stated.