US President Donald Trump would "welcome" Iran's participation at the upcoming World Cup in North America, despite the ongoing Middle East war, according to the White House. The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has raised doubts about Iran's involvement in this summer's men's football World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The US administration confirmed an Instagram post by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino earlier on Wednesday. Infantino stated that during a meeting to discuss tournament preparations, "President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."
This marks the first time Infantino, who established a FIFA Peace Prize in December and awarded it to Trump, has acknowledged the ongoing Middle East war. Trump's recent stance is a notable shift from his earlier remarks to Politico last week when he expressed indifference towards Iran's participation in the World Cup.
Following American and Israeli attacks, including the killing of supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian officials have hinted at the possibility of not attending the tournament. Ahmad Donyamali, the Minister of Sports and Youth, stated on state television that due to the government's actions, Iran lacks the conditions to participate in the World Cup.
Iran's football federation chief, Mehdi Taj, also raised concerns about the team's involvement in the event, especially after several women footballers defected during the recent Asian Cup in Australia. Taj questioned the suitability of sending the national team to a place where such incidents occur.
Iran, slated to play all three group games in the United States (two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle), faces the decision of whether to withdraw from the World Cup. Such a move would be unprecedented since France and India withdrew from the 1950 finals in Brazil.
During the Women's Asian Cup in Australia, several players from Iran's team sought asylum after facing criticism from state television for not singing the national anthem before a match.
