Iran Says No Country Can Ban Them From 2026 World Cup, Rejects Trump’s Safety Warning

Iran’s national football team has rejected former US President Donald Trump’s warning that their players might face safety risks if they compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that no nation has the authority to block their participation. In a statement shared on social media, the Iranian Football Federation emphasized that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not by any country’s political stance. The federation underlined that Iran secured its place through a series of hard-earned victories and would not yield to external pressure. Trump had expressed concerns over the safety of Iranian players amid recent tensions in the Middle East, suggesting that competing could put them in danger. He later tweeted that all teams would be welcome in the United States, one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, and noted that ticket sales were “through the roof.” Iran countered that any host nation unable to guarantee the security of visiting teams should reconsider its role in the event. The statement stressed that the team’s qualification was earned fairly and that no external attempt to exclude them would be accepted. The comments come amid rising regional tensions following US‑Israeli strikes in February, raising questions about Iran’s participation. The team is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, but uncertainty remains over whether it will travel to the United States. FIFA has yet to issue an official response, although Trump reportedly assured the organisation’s leadership that Iran would be welcome. Tehran, however, continues to question whether host nations can fully ensure the safety of all players and spectators. The dispute highlights the complex intersection of sport and geopolitics, showing how global events like the World Cup can be affected by broader international tensions.

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Femi Falana Urges Nigeria To Pressure US Over Iran-Israel Conflict

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Nigerian government to join other nations in exerting diplomatic pressure on the United States amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Falana accused US President Donald Trump of showing blatant disregard for international law, highlighting the country’s withdrawal from about 66 United Nations resolutions. “President Trump has no regard and shows contempt for international law. Hence, he has withdrawn the United States from about 66 United Nations resolutions. To him, the resolutions of the United Nations mean nothing,” he said. Falana urged Nigeria to revive its tradition of multilateral diplomacy, drawing lessons from the country’s active role during the Non-Aligned Movement era. He emphasized the need for quick collaboration with other countries to check the actions of the Trump administration. “Our duty as a country, as we used to do in the past, is to collaborate with other countries. When you talk of the days of non-alignment, we must now move very speedily to collaborate with other countries to mount pressure on Mr Trump,” he said. He also stressed the importance of engaging China and Russia as intermediaries, citing their influence over Tehran. “We need to persuade China and Russia to intervene because those are the two countries that Iran will listen to,” Falana noted. On domestic issues, Falana urged the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s security agencies rather than depend on foreign powers, pointing to Iran’s self-reliance as a model. “Nigeria must wake up. We must learn from Iran that unless you reorganise your own country, unless you equip your armed forces and your police force, there is no way an imperialist country like America will guarantee law and order in your country,” he said. Falana also criticized the country’s refining sector, highlighting the neglect of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries despite $2.9 billion spent on their rehabilitation. “If we say we have four refineries, nobody is talking about them any longer. The NNPC now solely relies on the Dangote Refinery. Is that how to run a country?” he questioned.

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Trump Urges Australia To Grant Asylum To Iranian Women’s Football Team After Not Reciting Regime’s Anthem

United States President Donald Trump has urged Australia to offer asylum to the Iranian women’s football team, warning that the US would step in to provide refuge if Australia does not act. The call comes amid concerns for the players’ safety after they did not sing Iran’s national anthem before their opening match at the Asian Cup in Gold Coast, raising fears of persecution if they return home. Normally, the team would have departed after being eliminated at the group stage following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to the Philippines, but reports indicate they remain in Australia. On Monday, reports suggested that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) assisted five team members in leaving their team base and moving to a safe house. Neither the AFP nor the Department of Home Affairs has officially commented. Trump posted on Truth Social: “Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Women’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give asylum. The U.S. will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President Donald J. Trump.” FIFA confirmed it is in “close contact” with Australian authorities, emphasizing that the players’ safety and security are its top priorities. The squad sang the national anthem and saluted during their final two matches, but their initial refusal drew criticism from supporters of the Iranian regime. The situation unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks on Gulf states hosting US military bases. These developments have disrupted travel and planning across the region, including Iraq’s preparations for a World Cup play-off match in Mexico on March 31. Iraq’s coach, Australian Graham Arnold, proposed rescheduling the match against Bolivia or Suriname before the World Cup finals in June. He added that if Iran withdraws, Iraq could take their place, with the UAE stepping into Iraq’s play-off position.

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Trump Insists Iran Must Surrender Unconditionally Before Any Deal With U.S.

United States President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will not enter into any agreement with Iran unless the country agrees to what he described as an “unconditional surrender.” The American leader made this known in a post on Truth Social on Friday, insisting that negotiations with Tehran would only happen after the current leadership structure is completely removed. According to Trump, once Iran surrenders and a new leadership that is widely acceptable emerges, the United States and its allies would help rebuild the country and restore its economy. “The U.S. will sign no deal with Iran except one that involves unconditional surrender,” he stated. Trump added that after surrender and “the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.” He further expressed optimism about the country’s future, writing: “IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. ‘MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).’” The U.S. president has repeatedly suggested that he would like to see a new leadership in Iran that can promote peace and stability within the country. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning that any future Iranian supreme leader who continues to threaten Israel, the United States, or their allies could become a target. “If he continues to threaten Israel, the U.S. and others, he will be a target for elimination,” Katz said. On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that diplomatic efforts might be underway, revealing that some countries have begun mediation efforts, although he did not mention their names. “Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity & sovereignty,” Pezeshkian wrote. “Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict.” The remarks come as hostilities continue to escalate across the region. Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out strikes in Beirut and Tehran on Friday, while Iran launched fresh retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and Gulf nations hosting U.S. military forces. Casualties from the ongoing conflict continue to rise, with reports indicating that at least 1,230 people have died in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. troops have also been reported killed.

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Lionel Messi And Inter Miami Celebrated At White House By Donald Trump After 2025 MLS Cup Win

Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were celebrated at the White House by Donald Trump on Thursday in recognition of their 2025 MLS Cup victory. Messi led the team as players, coach Javier Mascherano, and co-owner Jorge Mas joined Trump at the ceremony. The president opened with remarks on military matters in the Middle East before turning to the team’s triumph and reflecting on Brazilian legend Pelé’s impact on U.S. soccer during his 1970s stint with the New York Cosmos. “I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play,” Trump said. “I don’t know, you (Messi) may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good.” The team presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey from their signature pink kit, honoring his role as the nation’s 47th president. Trump also gave shout-outs to Miami stars Luis Suarez, rising talent Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul

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Donald Trump Says He Wants “Good Leader” For Iran After Khamenei’s Death, Calls For Leadership Overhaul

Donald Trump has expressed his vision for Iran’s leadership following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, Trump said he hopes for a “good” leader in Iran and indicated he wants the country’s current leadership structure completely dismantled. “We want to go in and clean out everything,” he said. “We don’t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period.” Trump added that he has certain individuals in mind who could assume leadership but chose not to disclose their names. “We want them to have a good leader. We have some people who I think would do a good job,” he said. The remarks follow a joint operation by the United States and Israel in Iran, which led to the death of Ali Khamenei.

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Spain Denies White House Claims of Military Cooperation, Rejects Trump Threats Over Iran Conflict

Spain has strongly denied claims from the White House that it agreed to cooperate with the United States military, calling the statement “categorically false” amid rising tensions over the ongoing conflict in Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Spain had reportedly relented after President Donald Trump threatened to cut off all trade with the country. “I think they heard the president’s message loud and clear. Over the past several hours, they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military, and our forces are coordinating with their counterparts in Spain,” she said. Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, immediately rejected the claim. “The spokeswoman may speak for the White House, but I am the foreign minister of Spain. I categorically deny it,” he said, emphasising that Madrid’s position on the use of its bases, the Middle East war, and the recent bombings in Iran has “not changed one bit.” Albares added, “I have no desire or time to speculate. Our position remains absolutely unchanged.” The Prime Minister’s Office at Moncloa Palace also labelled the White House statement as false, with sources from both the office and Spain’s Defence Ministry ruling out any cooperation with Washington. The dispute erupted after Trump criticised Spain for refusing to allow US forces to use jointly operated naval and air bases in southern Spain for attacks on Iran. Speaking to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said, “Spain has been terrible. We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” Trump also condemned Madrid for declining to meet NATO’s proposed defence spending target of 5% of GDP, saying, “Everybody was enthusiastic about it – Germany, everybody – and Spain didn’t do it.” The standoff highlights escalating tensions between the two NATO allies over military cooperation and defence commitments in the Middle East.

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Oluwo of Iwo Tells Donald Trump to Apologise to Iran, Criticises US Support for Israel

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has urged United States President Donald Trump to apologise to Iran for America’s support of Israel in the ongoing Middle East conflict. In a statement shared with journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, the monarch criticised Trump for taking sides instead of acting as a neutral mediator, describing the US approach as reckless and damaging to global peace. Oba Akanbi described the conflict between Iran and the US/Israel as unnecessary and condemned the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it provocative and “a sin against humanity.” He said the bombing of Iranian students reflected “cowardice” and highlighted Iran’s resolve, noting that not all nations can be intimidated. “America has lost some of its global influence. A true world power doesn’t take sides when two parties are at war. US involvement without calling for a ceasefire was needless and avoidable, and I doubt it will end well for America,” he said. The traditional ruler called on Trump to rethink his leadership approach, stressing that diplomacy and respect for all nations are essential to preserving international stability and peace.

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