Inter Milan will play the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup without forward Mehdi Taremi amid the escalating conflict between Israel and his native Iran, according to ESPN.
Israel struck Iran on Friday with a series of missile attacks aimed at the country’s nuclear facilities and high-ranking military officials, with Revolutionary Guard head Hossein Salami among the casualties. Iran responded Saturday with its own deadly missile strike, triggering an expanded assault from Israel.
The exchange of missiles has grounded all Iranian flights over the past two days, leaving Taremi unable to join his Inter Milan teammates in Los Angeles. Taremi had been playing for Iran’s national team earlier this week, scoring a goal against North Korea on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier in Tehran.
Inter Milan is scheduled to open its Club World Cup campaign against Mexico’s Monterrey on Tuesday. Reports from Italian media indicate Taremi will not join Inter for any Club World Cup matches, regardless of how the situation in Iran develops.
The 32-year-old Taremi is in his second year with Inter after joining the club on a free transfer from Porto last summer. He recorded three goals and seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in his first season, which saw Inter reach the Champions League final.