WASHINGTON — Iran's national soccer team has declared it will not set foot on American territory for World Cup matches, marking an unprecedented sports boycott amid the worst diplomatic crisis between Tehran and Washington in decades.

Soccer federation president Mehdi Taj announced Wednesday that Iran's squad would continue World Cup preparations despite refusing to travel to the United States. The tournament spans three nations from June 11 to July 19, with matches across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Iran secured qualification early but now faces the prospect of forfeiting games scheduled on American soil.

The sports standoff reflects broader geopolitical tensions that erupted in late February when diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic and the United States collapsed entirely. "Iran's position is clear — we will not compromise our national dignity for any sporting event," said Tehran-based sports analyst Reza Mohammadi. The World Cup organizing committee has yet to announce contingency plans for Iran's potential forfeitures.

Foreign policy experts warn the soccer boycott signals Iran's willingness to sacrifice international prestige over political principles. "This goes beyond sports diplomacy — Iran is drawing red lines that could isolate it further from global institutions," said Sarah Mitchell, Middle East specialist at the Atlantic Council. The crisis threatens to overshadow what was expected to be a unifying World Cup across North America.