Trump Says Iran Shouldn’t Play in World Cup for Team’s ‘Safety’

US President Donald Trump said it would not be “appropriate” for Iran to participate in this summer’s World Cup being staged in North America, though he left the door open for its team to play.

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump posted Thursday on social media.

While the US president didn’t explicitly bar Iran from the tournament, his comments further diminish the likelihood that the country’s team will compete. They come a day after Iran’s sports ...