India, March 12 -- US President Donald Trump sent a pointed message to the Iranian national football team through a post on Truth Social, saying he does not believe it would be appropriate for the side to take part in this year's FIFA World Cup, which the United States is set to co-host. Trump, on Thursday, highlighted security worries as the key reason behind his stance, noting that tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply, with the two nations currently locked in a military conflict.

"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup," Trump wrote on his social media site, "but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."

Iran's sports minister Ahmad Don...