Iran demands guarantees for World Cup participation

Iran's Football Federation (FFIRI) has announced its intention to participate in this summer's World Cup, but has demanded guarantees from Fifa and the tournament hosts regarding visa access for all team members, including those with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as assurances on treatment of the national team. The demands come amid growing tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly the United States, over the IRGC's designation as a terrorist organization. Fifa faces a delicate balancing act in ensuring all qualified teams participate while navigating political realities surrounding relations with Tehran and Washington.