Inter Milan’s star forward Mehdi Taremi is unable to travel to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup due to being stranded in Tehran, Iran, as a result of the escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel. The 32-year-old Iranian international, who joined Inter from FC Porto in July 2024, was in his home country for international duty during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match against North Korea on June 10, 2025. Iranian airspace has been closed to civilian flights following recent military exchanges, grounding all travel and preventing Taremi from joining his teammates for Inter’s opening match against CF Monterrey on June 18, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Taremi’s absence is a significant blow to Inter Milan, who are competing in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, hosted across 12 venues in the United States from June 14 to July 14, 2025. The striker, known for his clinical finishing and versatility, was expected to play a pivotal role in Inter’s campaign in Group E, where they face Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate. Italian media outlets, including Gazzetta dello Sport, report that Taremi is likely to miss the entire tournament, as the ongoing geopolitical situation shows no immediate signs of resolution, and even if flights resume, logistical challenges may prevent his timely arrival.
During his time in Tehran, Taremi represented Iran in a 3-0 victory over North Korea, scoring one of the goals in the qualifier, and was honored with Iran’s Footballer of the Year award for his outstanding performances at both club and international levels. His contributions at Inter this season, including key goals in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, have cemented his status as a vital component of Cristian Chivu’s squad. However, the closure of Iranian airports, prompted by missile strikes and heightened regional tensions, has left Taremi stranded, with no clear timeline for when he might be able to leave the country.
Inter Milan, the 2024-25 Serie A leaders, now face the challenge of competing in the prestigious tournament without one of their key attacking players. The Club World Cup, which features top clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid and Al Hilal, is a high-stakes competition, and Inter’s coaching staff will need to adapt their strategy in Taremi’s absence. Players like Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram are expected to shoulder additional attacking responsibilities, while young talents from Inter’s squad may also get opportunities to shine.
The broader context of the Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted international travel and sporting events, with Taremi’s situation highlighting the far-reaching impact of geopolitical tensions on global football. FIFA has not yet commented on potential accommodations for affected players, and Inter Milan has issued a statement expressing support for Taremi while focusing on preparations for their upcoming matches. Fans and analysts alike are concerned about how this unforeseen setback will affect Inter’s performance in a tournament where they aim to assert their dominance on the global stage.
As the Club World Cup progresses, Inter’s management remains hopeful that Taremi can rejoin the team, but the uncertainty surrounding the conflict makes this prospect unlikely. The club has a storied history in international competitions, having won the Intercontinental Cup in 1964 and 1965, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2010 under José Mourinho. This year’s tournament, with its expanded format and high-profile matchups, presents an opportunity for Inter to add to their legacy, but Taremi’s absence could complicate their ambitions in a highly competitive Group E.
Taremi’s journey to Inter Milan has been marked by resilience and adaptability, having risen from Iran’s domestic leagues to become a standout performer in Europe with Porto, where he scored 90 goals in 182 appearances. His move to Inter was seen as a homecoming for the striker, who grew up supporting the Nerazzurri, and his integration into the squad had been seamless until this disruption. The club’s medical and technical staff are reportedly in regular contact with Taremi, ensuring he maintains his fitness and mental readiness should travel become possible later in the tournament.
The situation underscores the unpredictable nature of international football, where external factors can significantly impact team preparations. Inter Milan’s next match after Monterrey is against Urawa Red Diamonds on June 22, 2025, followed by River Plate on June 28, 2025, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. Without Taremi, Chivu may opt for tactical adjustments, potentially deploying a more defensively solid formation to compensate for the loss of attacking flair.
For Taremi, the personal disappointment of missing the Club World Cup is compounded by the broader challenges facing his home country. The Iran-Israel conflict, which has seen missile exchanges and heightened military alerts, has disrupted civilian life, including air travel, leaving many, including Taremi, in limbo. The striker has not publicly commented on the situation, but sources close to the player indicate he is focused on staying safe and supporting his family while awaiting developments.
Inter Milan supporters have taken to social media to express their frustration and sympathy, with many highlighting Taremi’s importance to the team and wishing for his safe return. The Club World Cup, billed as a celebration of global football, now carries an added layer of complexity as teams navigate the ripple effects of international crises. For now, Inter must forge ahead without their Iranian star, hoping to honor his contributions by performing strongly in his absence.
