A fresh controversy erupted as U.S.-Iran talks continued in Switzerland. Senator Markwayne Mullin claimed a man with direct IRGC ties tried to board Iran’s World Cup flight and was stopped by U.S. authorities. Mullin also said only 53 members of Iran’s delegation were cleared, with several visas denied. Iran’s Football Federation fiercely rejected the allegations, calling them “an outright and undeniable lie,” and accused Washington of politicising football. The row comes even as JD Vance hailed progress in Swiss negotiations, raising fears that a sporting dispute could spill into diplomacy.

Iran plans to complain to FIFA, arguing U.S. travel and visa restrictions unfairly disrupt World Cup preparations.

Iran's World Cup soccer team is allowed to travel to the U.S. the day before its World Cup matches and must leave the evening after.

Secretary Markwayne Mullin made an unsportsmanlike case that Iran shouldn't be trusted during a weekend appearance on Fox News.

Secretary Markwayne Mullin made an unsportsmanlike case that Iran shouldn't be trusted during a weekend appearance on Fox News.

The US claimed someone tied to the IRGC, under the guise of the Iranian federation chief, tried to board Iran’s team flight to Los Angeles.

US and Iran talks opened in Switzerland on Sunday, although Iran reportedly halted talks with the US after Trump threatened strikes over Hezbollah’s actions in Lebanon.

“The guy that tried to get on the plane yesterday had direct ties to the IRGC...”

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has made an explosive allegation, claiming that Iran attempted to use its 2026 FIFA World Cup delegation to move individuals with…

A fresh controversy erupted as U.S.-Iran talks continued in Switzerland. Senator Markwayne Mullin claimed a man with direct IRGC ties tried to board Iran’s World Cup flight and…

Iran have been required to travel from Mexico to the United States for their World Cup fixtures with the arrangements surrounding their presence in the tournament proving…