Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi will be unable to participate in the Club World Cup in the United States after being stranded in Tehran due to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The 32-year-old Iranian international was scheduled to fly to Los Angeles on Saturday but was grounded after all flights from Iranian airports were suspended following an exchange of military strikes between the two nations over the past two days.
Tournament Impact
According to Italian media reports, Taremi will miss Inter's opening fixture against Monterrey on Wednesday. Sources indicate he will remain unavailable for subsequent matches in the tournament, regardless of whether Iranian airspace reopens in the coming days.
The striker, who joined the Serie A champions from Porto last year, has had limited playing time in his debut season in Italy. He made seven starts in Serie A while coming off the bench 19 times, scoring just once for the Nerazzurri.
Despite his club form, Taremi recently demonstrated his scoring prowess on the international stage, finding the net in Iran's 3-0 victory over North Korea in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Broader Context
The situation highlights how geopolitical tensions can directly impact sporting events. The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated significantly in recent days, with missile exchanges affecting civilian infrastructure and causing casualties. In Tel Aviv, two people were reportedly killed and several homes damaged in Iranian missile strikes.
The Club World Cup, being held in the United States, features top clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Al Ahly among others. The tournament represents FIFA's premier club competition, bringing together champions from different confederations.
Inter Milan will now need to adjust their strategy without Taremi as they pursue success in this prestigious international tournament.
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