Iran left a handwritten message in their dressing room after drawing 0-0 with Belgium in their second Group G match at Los Angeles Stadium, ending with the words “may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations”.
The team is taking part in the World Cup while Iran and the United States, who are hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, are in negotiations to end their war.
The note, published by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI), read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.”
It continued: “We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity.”
The message added: “Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.
“And thank 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 note also referred to an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war.
Iran began their tournament with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, also at Los Angeles Stadium. Their final group fixture is against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June at 04:00 BST.
Their World Cup participation has been overshadowed by uncertainty because of the conflict in the Middle East and the security issues connected to it.
Several “integral” members of Iran’s backroom staff were refused entry visas to the US. On the eve of the tournament, the FFIRI also urged Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after its ticket allocation was withdrawn.
Iran then moved their World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico and have been operating under tight travel restrictions.
Under the terms of their visas, they can only enter the US the day before a match and must leave on the same day as the game.
After the draw with New Zealand, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, said there are “discussions going on” over the timing of Iran’s travel in and out of the US for the Egypt match.
