Inter Milan forward Mehdi Taremi may be forced to miss the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the US after being unable to leave Iran due to the closure of the country’s airspace, a result of escalating military tensions with Israel.

Taremi, recently signed by Inter on a three-year deal, was scheduled to join the Italian club in Los Angeles for the global tournament. However, according to media outlets in Italy and the US, the 32-year-old striker is now expected to miss at least the opening match against Monterrey FC—and potentially the entire competition.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Saturday, “The Iranian striker will not join the Nerazzurri, neither for the first match nor for the others.” The club has reportedly been in communication with Iranian authorities in Italy, trying to assist the player, who is currently in a safe location in Tehran, away from the ongoing conflict.

Inter begin their Club World Cup campaign on Tuesday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, facing Mexico’s Monterrey FC. They share Group E with Argentina’s River Plate and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.

Taremi had recently captained Iran in their 1–0 win over North Korea in an AFC World Cup qualifier in Tehran on June 10, where he also scored. He was later honored with the inaugural Iranian Toopa Award (Golden Ball).

His travel plans were disrupted when Israel launched strikes on Iran early Friday, prompting Tehran to retaliate. The closure of Iranian airspace since then has prevented Taremi from flying out.

The striker has made 43 appearances for Inter, scoring three goals, and his absence is a blow to the club’s campaign at the 32-team tournament.

Source: Al Jazeera