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The Guardian World1 min read
Iran leave note asking for peace after Belgium draw
TL;DR
Iran left a handwritten note advocating for peace after their World Cup draw against Belgium, stating, 'may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.' The message reflects the team's pride and dignity amidst ongoing negotiations with the U.S.
Key points
- Iran left a peace note after the match against Belgium
- The note emphasized peace, respect, and friendship
- Iran's message reflects pride and dignity during World Cup
Iran left a message saying "may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations" following their World Cup group match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.
The handwritten note was left in their dressing room following a goalless draw in their second Group G game.
Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States - who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico - are in negotiations to end their war.
"From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast," read the message, which was released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI).
"We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity," the note continued.
"Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.
"And thanks you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.
"May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."
The message also made reference to an attack on a girls' school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war.
Image caption,
The handwritten note left by Iran in their dressing room following the game against Belgium
Iran played their opening match - a 2-2 draw with New Zealand - at Los Angeles Stadium, and will play their third and final group game against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).
Their involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.
Multiple "integral" members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after its allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.
Iran subsequently switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico, and face strict travel restrictions during their campaign.
They are allowed to fly into the US a day before they have a game and have to leave the country on the same day as the match, under the conditions of their visas.
Q&A
What did Iran's note after the Belgium match say?
Iran's note expressed a desire for peace, stating, 'may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.'
Why is Iran's message significant during the World Cup?
The message is significant as it highlights Iran's cultural pride and dignity while their country is engaged in negotiations with the U.S. regarding ongoing conflicts.
What was the outcome of the Iran vs. Belgium World Cup match?
The match ended in a goalless draw, marking Iran's second Group G game in the World Cup.
