Iran’s national football team is preparing for the World Cup, but a final decision on whether it will participate in the tournament will be made by the government, according to the country’s sports minister.

“If the safety of the national team’s players in the United States is ensured, we will travel to the World Cup,” Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali said, The Caspian Post reports, citing Al Jazeera.

He added that the final decision rests with the government and the Supreme National Security Council.

Iran’s national team, known as Team Melli, is scheduled to play all of its World Cup matches in the United States, one of the three host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. However, its participation has been uncertain amid geopolitical tensions that escalated after the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28.

The uncertainty continues as a fragile Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between Tehran and Washington approaches its deadline on Thursday.

Donyamali emphasized that the team will continue its preparations regardless of the political situation.

“The national team may not go to the World Cup, but if we are going to participate, we must be ready,” he said.

Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) had requested last month that FIFA relocate Iran’s matches away from the United States. However, FIFA rejected the proposal, stating that all fixtures will proceed as planned and dismissing the idea of relocating games to Mexico due to logistical challenges.

On Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was “confident” Iran would take part in the tournament, despite earlier remarks from US President Donald Trump suggesting Iran’s participation would be inappropriate.

“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 wrote in a social media post last month.

Infantino, who maintains a close relationship with Trump, said Iran must participate.

“Iran has to come,” he said, adding that the country qualified and represents its people. “The players want to play.”

He also expressed hope that the situation would stabilize by the time of the tournament, noting that peace would help ensure smooth participation.