Politics

Iranian ambassador at World Cup: ‘Iran and the U.S. can be very good friends’

Published

2 months ago

June 13, 2026

MEXICO CITY, Mexico — The first booth World Cup fans encounter at the global fan expo in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park belongs to Iran.

Inside, women in colorful headscarves serve sambuseh, a traditional Persian pastry, alongside stuffed dates. Persian rugs hang beside vases. The welcoming scene stands in sharp contrast to the reception Iran has received from the U.S., where its national team will play its first match against New Zealand on Monday.

While Iran was one of the first nations to qualify for the World Cup, President Donald Trump has been lukewarm about the country’s participation since the conflict began in February, and the State Department did not approve visas for all members of the Iranian delegation.

Blue Light News spoke with Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, through his Spanish translator at the expo before he departed for Tijuana, where Iran’s national team is training after moving its pre-tournament camp from Tucson, Arizona.

Pasandideh remarked on Iran’s relations with the United States at a delicate moment. The visa denials impacting some of the Iranian team’s coaching staff may have a negative impact on the team’s performance, he said.

But as the two countries move closer to a potential peace agreement, Pasandideh pointed to Iran’s decision to send its national team to compete on U.S. soil as evidence of Tehran’s posture.

“The fact of our presence in the U.S. in a time of war sends a signal: We are in favor of peace,” he said.

And he had a direct message for Trump.

“If the U.S. closes its eyes to Israel’s interests,” Pasandideh said, “Iran and the U.S. can be very good friends.”

Click here to read Sophia’s full conversation with Abolfazl Pasandideh.

Politics

FCC chair Brendan Carr on Trump, free speech and his threats against broadcasters

Published

18 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

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Politics

Mandela Barnes considering dropping out of Wisconsin governor race

Published

1 day ago

July 30, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and his team are discussing dropping out of the crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The conversations come as Democratic officials in the state brace for damaging media reports about Barnes expected to hit in the coming hours. Barnes and his team have been on calls Thursday to discuss how to proceed, according to the people, granted anonymity to share private details.

The primary had become increasingly messy as more moderate leaning Democrats like Barnes have tried to stave off Democratic socialist Francesca Hong’s rise, worried her victory could boost presumed Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement of David Crowley — who reentered the race in the final stretch — further complicated the moderate coalition.

A spokesperson for Barnes’ campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.