MEXICO CITY, Mexico — At the bustling global fan expo nestled in the verdant expanses of Chapultepec Park, the first booth greeting the throngs of World Cup fans showcases Iran in vibrant hues and flavors. Women adorned in colorful headscarves skillfully serve sambuseh, a delectable Persian pastry, and stuffed dates, under the shelter of Persian rugs and beside elegant vases.

This scene of cultural richness is a stark contrast to the diplomatic tensions between Iran and the U.S., especially as Iran's national team gears up for its inaugural World Cup match against New Zealand this Monday. Despite being one of the initial qualifiers for the World Cup, the U.S. administration's reception has been tepid. President Donald Trump's lukewarm stance has persisted since conflicts escalated in February, culminating in the State Department withholding visas for several members of the Iranian delegation.

In an exclusive conversation with POLITICO, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, shared insights into the strained U.S.-Iran relations through his Spanish translator before heading to Tijuana, where Iran’s team has set up their pre-tournament camp after relocating from Tucson, Arizona.

Ambassador Pasandideh noted the impact of the visa denials on the Iranian coaching staff, suggesting it could adversely affect the team's performance. However, he remains hopeful about the thawing relations between the two nations, citing the Iranian team's presence in the U.S. as a powerful gesture towards peace.

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

With a direct message for President Trump, Pasandideh hinted at a potential diplomatic breakthrough. “If the U.S. closes its eyes to Israel’s interests,” he proposed, “Iran and the U.S. can be very good friends.”

This message comes at a crucial juncture as both countries inch towards a possible peace agreement, embodying the spirit of the World Cup as a platform for fostering global unity and reconciliation.

For more details on this diplomatic discourse, follow the full conversation with Ambassador Pasandideh [here](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/13/iranian-ambassador-mexico-world-cup-00961264).