Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi has been left stranded in Iran following the closure of the country’s airspace in response to Israeli airstrikes, a source at the Italian club confirmed on Saturday.
Taremi had travelled to Tehran to represent the Iranian national team in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, where Iran secured a 3–0 victory over North Korea. However, his return to Italy has been delayed after Iran shut down its airspace due to escalating military tensions with Israel.
The 32-year-old is now expected to miss Inter Milan’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The Italian champions are due to open their tournament in Pasadena, California, with a match against Mexico’s Monterrey, before continuing to face Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan and Argentina’s River Plate in Seattle.
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Taremi made 43 appearances for Inter during the 2024/25 season, scoring three goals in all competitions. The club has not yet confirmed when the player is expected to rejoin the squad.
The ongoing conflict has already disrupted travel and logistics across the region, and football authorities are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.
