US Says IRGC-Linked Individuals Tried to Enter with Iran World Cup Delegation

WASHINGTON, July 1: US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Iranian officials attempted to bring individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into the United States as part of Iran's World Cup delegation, according to a Politico report published Tuesday.

Mullin said multiple applicants accompanying the Iranian team raised security concerns, including two individuals who were presented as media representatives and allegedly had connections to IRGC intelligence. He also claimed another applicant was the subject of an international arrest warrant.

According to Mullin, Iran's delegation required more scrutiny from US authorities than any other team participating in the tournament.

"Iran posed the most significant security challenge of any participating delegation," Mullin said, adding that US officials spent more time handling issues related to Iran than any other national team.

He defended the strict travel measures imposed on the Iranian delegation, including limited entry periods and requirements to depart immediately after matches, describing them as necessary security precautions.

Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to Mullin's allegations.