- Donald Trump stated he does not care if Iran participates in the upcoming World Cup, which is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
- His comments follow Iran's notable absence from a FIFA planning summit, deepening questions about their team competing on US soil amidst an escalating regional conflict.
- Iran, having secured a trip to its fourth successive World Cup, is scheduled to play group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
- Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed concerns that the intensity of attacks by US and Israeli forces did not bode well for the tournament.
- While Iran is subject to Trump's restrictive travel ban, World Cup teams and support personnel are an exception - though security concerns are shaping visa exceptions for other attendees.
IN FULL
