Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi is stuck in Iran due to the Israel-Iran conflict. He missed his flight to the U.S. for the Club World Cup, putting his participation at risk. Inter confirmed he is safe but unable to travel.
Mehdi Taremi Can’t Join Club World Cup Due to Israel-Iran Conflict
War Stops Football Journey
Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi may miss the FIFA Club World Cup because he is stuck in Iran. A dangerous situation has started between Israel and Iran. Israel launched a missile attack and called it “Operation Rising Lion.” In response, Iran began “True Promise 3.” As the conflict grows, it is becoming harder for people to leave or enter the country, including Taremi.
Taremi’s Flight Canceled After Airspace Closed
Taremi traveled to Tehran during the international break to play for Iran in a World Cup qualifying match. Iran beat North Korea 3–0, and Taremi scored one of the goals. He was supposed to fly to Los Angeles on Saturday to join his Inter Milan teammates for the Club World Cup.
However, after a missile attack hit Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, Iran closed its airspace for safety. This forced Taremi to cancel his flight. Inter Milan said in a statement that Taremi is safe but still in Tehran. They also said they don’t want to risk sending him overland due to safety concerns.
Inter Milan’s Club World Cup Journey Begins Without Taremi
The FIFA Club World Cup has already started. In the opening match, Messi’s Inter Miami played against Egypt’s Al Ahly. Inter Milan will play their first game against Mexican club Monterrey on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Bangladesh).
Inter confirmed that Taremi will not be able to play in that match. This game will also be the first for their new coach, Cristian Chivu, who replaced Simone Inzaghi after Inter’s heavy 5-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League final on May 31.
Will Taremi Miss More Matches?
If the situation does not improve and flights do not restart soon, Taremi might miss the next two Club World Cup matches on June 21 and June 25. In his absence, Inter will depend more on their other top strikers—Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez and France’s Marcus Thuram.
Taremi joined Inter from Portuguese club FC Porto last year. So far, he has scored three goals and given nine assists. However, under the former coach, he mostly came off the bench as a substitute.
For now, fans and the club are hoping for peace and for Taremi to return safely and soon.
