New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) The Iranian national football team has issued a strong rebuttal to U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that they refrain from competing in the World Cup for their "own safety." They emphasized that no nation has the authority to bar them from the World Cup, which is governed by FIFA, not by a single country.

Trump remarked on Truth Social, "While the Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, I genuinely doubt it is suitable for them to participate, considering their safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

In reply, the official account of Iran's national soccer team highlighted that exclusion from the tournament is not an option and called for accountability from the U.S. if they cannot guarantee the safety of teams participating in this global event.

"The World Cup is a monumental international occasion, and its overseer is FIFA, not any one individual or nation. Iran's national team, bolstered by the victories achieved by our brave players, was among the first to secure a spot in this prestigious tournament.

"Undoubtedly, no one can remove Iran's national team from the World Cup; the only nation that could face exclusion is one that merely serves as the 'host' yet is incapable of ensuring the security of the competing teams in this worldwide spectacle.

Iran has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup by leading Group A in the third round of Asian qualifiers last year. They are slated to compete in three matches in the U.S., but their participation is in jeopardy amid escalating regional tensions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned that he met with President Trump, who reassured him that Iran is "welcome" to participate in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

However, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that Iran is unable to partake in the 2026 World Cup due to airstrikes from the U.S. and Israel against the country.

"Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader and created extreme insecurity, we cannot participate in the World Cup. The players lack safety, and the conditions for participation simply don't exist," Donyamali declared on Iranian state television.

"In just eight or nine months, they have plunged us into two wars, killed thousands of our people, and committed atrocious acts. Under these circumstances, attending the tournament is impossible," he added.

Last week, in an interview with Politico, Trump remarked, "I really don’t care if Iran participates," asserting, "I believe Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes."

Following the commencement of military actions, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, reportedly stated, "What is certain is that after these attacks, it's difficult to view the World Cup with optimism."