In the wake of Islamic Republic preventing Iranians to mark the International Day of Cyprus the Great, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has paid homage to the founder of the ancient Persian Empire, saying he was an inspiration to America’s founding fathers.

October 29 is the day historians believe Cyrus marched into Babylon, beyond Persia’s borders, and began establishing a vast Empire in the Middle East that lasted for centuries and was based on respect for local religions and cultures.

Thousands of people in Iran gathered on October 29, 2016 at the mausoleum of Cyprus at Pasargadae in southern Iran and shouted slogans in support of monarchy and against the current clerical regime.

Since then, the Islamic Republic has prevented gatherings at the site. In the past two days, roads leading to the tomb were blocked and dozens of activists were individually warned not to participate in any gathering. Some were forced to sign written pledges not to call on people to go to Pasargadae.

Secretary Pompeo in a tweet on Tuesday praised Cyrus the Great for his respect “for human rights and religious freedom” and said it “inspired America’s founding fathers”. He added, “The U.S. stands with the Iranian people, who are blocked by the regime from celebrating his legacy.”

In the past, Pompeo has on many occasions tweeted to voice support for the Iranian people or defend Iranian activists and their causes, criticizing the Islamic Republic.