WANA (Aug 26) – The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran Wrestling Federation has issued an ultimatum to the United States following the denial of entry visas for several Iranian coaches ahead of the World Junior Wrestling Championships.

 

Alireza Dabir criticized the decision, stating that withholding travel permits effectively undermines the Iranian teams. Looking ahead to the U23 World Championships scheduled to take place in the United States this October, Dabir confirmed he has formally communicated Iran’s position to the president of United World Wrestling.

 

“I informed the head of the global governing body that if the United States refuses a visa to even a single member of our delegation, we will definitely not send the team,” Dabir said. “Our presence alone is not what matters; how we present ourselves is what is important.”

 

Dabir framed the federation’s stance as part of a broader commitment to national resilience, asserting that Iran will continue to strengthen its position despite administrative hurdles.

 

“We will certainly become a strong country, and that is as clear as day to me—we just have to stand firm,” Dabir added. “Our youth paid the price at the missile launchers, and I must pay my share this way as well. So what if they denied visas to a few of our coaches? Let it be a sacrifice for those martyrs. We cannot just complain all the time. We must stand by our country, our people, and Islam.”