Tensions in the Middle East, sparked by the Iran-Israel conflict, have claimed around 90 lives and disrupted travel across the region. Inter Milan’s Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi has been directly affected, putting his participation in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. in doubt.
Mehdi Taremi was expected to arrive in Los Angeles on Saturday to join his Inter teammates. However, following an Israeli missile strike on Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, Iran closed its airspace, leading to the cancellation of his flight. As a result, the 32-year-old forward is stranded in Iran.
Mehdi Taremi
Inter Milan confirmed in a statement that Taremi is safe: “Our striker Mehdi Taremi is currently in a secure location in Iran. We are in continuous contact with him but will not take the risk of transporting him to Los Angeles by land.”
The 21st edition of the FIFA Club World Cup kicked off on Sunday with Inter Miami facing Al Ahly. Inter Milan’s first match is scheduled for Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Bangladesh) against Monterrey. Mehdi Taremi will miss the opening match, and unless Iranian airspace reopens soon, he could be ruled out of the entire tournament.
Taremi joined Inter Milan from FC Porto last year and has scored 3 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions in the 2024–25 season.
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