Iran has issued a sharp response to Donald Trump after the US president suggested it wouldn’t be ‘appropriate’ for the Iranian national soccer team to attend the FIFA World Cup.
The comments come amid escalating tensions following US involvement alongside Israel on February 28, when missiles were launched at Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, as well as senior figures in its leadership.
The outbreak of war follows just three months after Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize for his claimed work in ending conflicts rather than igniting them.
While much of the focus has remained on political leaders in Iran, Israel and the US, Trump has also brought the World Cup into the discussion.
He wrote on Truth Social.: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran’s team then responded on Instagram, arguing that the real concern was whether the host nation could guarantee proper security for all participants.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA – not any individual, country,” the team’s statement read. “Iran’s national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament.”
“Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event,” the statement continued.
The upcoming summer competition is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Trump later posted another message celebrating demand for the tournament.
Trump then posted online: “The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup. Ticket sales are ‘through the roof!’”
It also follows remarks from Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, who said the team would not take part after Khamenei’s death.
“Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister had said.
The conflict has also triggered wider economic consequences, particularly in global energy markets.
Brent Crude rose to $119 a barrel before easing slightly, while Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain and Kuwait reportedly reduced output as the Strait of Hormuz was fortified with drones and mines, increasing the risks for vessels attempting to pass through.