U.S. Confirms Visa Issuance for Iran's Soccer Team for World Cup

(CNA, Istanbul, 5th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, confirmed today that the United States has issued visas to the Iranian national soccer team to participate in the World Cup.

According to AFP and Reuters, Iran will begin its World Cup campaign in Los Angeles on the 16th, first facing New Zealand, then continuing in Los Angeles to play against Belgium, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle.

White House officials also confirmed the visa issuance today. This means that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran will participate in this global sporting event.

The Iranian national soccer team had originally planned to set up a training base in the United States, but due to heightened tensions following the February 28th attack on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, they moved their training camp to Mexico.

The Iranian team is expected to fly from Turkey to Spain on the 6th, then travel to their training camp in Mexico, with an expected arrival on the 7th.

Barrack stated today, "We are proud of the outstanding team at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for their work in processing the visas for the Iranian national soccer team as they travel to the United States for the World Cup."

The ambassador added, "Sports transcend borders, and we look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from all over the world."

An unnamed U.S. government official confirmed that the Iranian team had been issued visas and said, "We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to smuggle terrorists into the United States under false pretenses."

This year's World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. (Translator: Lu Ying-tzu) 1150606