Iranian-American actor Navid Negahban: 'I can't support the team, players are propaganda tools'

Iranian-American actor Navid Negahban finds himself in a deeply conflicted position regarding Iran's participation in the men's World Cup, especially given the recent escalation of conflict between the United States and Iran. While a peace agreement was announced, the situation remains fraught with complexity for the Iranian diaspora.

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I cannot be behind the team. I don't like that players are used as propaganda tools.

Negahban, known for his roles in "Homeland" and "The Night Agent," articulated his distress, stating, "I cannot be behind the team. I don't like that players are used as propaganda tools." He feels that the team, intentionally or not, represents the current Iranian regime, which he strongly opposes due to its human rights record and actions.

"Nobody wants their home country to be bombed. Still, I know that many Iranians – both in Iran and around the world – celebrated when the United States bombed our country," Negahban said. He expressed a fervent hope for regime change, adding, "No one in Iran wants the current administration to stay in power. They have killed so many. That is why I also hope that if this war achieves anything, it is that the administration in the country changes."

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Nobody wants their home country to be bombed. Still, I know that many Iranians – both in Iran and around the world – celebrated when the United States bombed our country.

The actor's sentiments highlight a significant division within the Iranian-American community. While many, including some of Negahban's friends, purchased tickets to show support for the Iranian people, Negahban himself will not attend or watch the matches. He respects the players' dedication and the difficult circumstances under which they achieve success in Iran, but he cannot reconcile supporting a team that he believes is unwillingly entangled in political propaganda.

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No one in Iran wants the current administration to stay in power. They have killed so many. That is why I also hope that if this war achieves anything, it is that the administration in the country changes.

Negahban also voiced frustration with FIFA's decision to ban fans from bringing the pre-revolutionary "Lion and Sun" flag into stadiums, while allowing the official flag of the current Iranian government. He views this as a rejection of the historical identity of Iran and the aspirations of many Iranians seeking change.

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I deeply respect every player on the team. They have worked very hard to reach the highest level. In today's Iran, there are truly no ideal conditions for building a top-level sports career, so the players have done exceptionally exceptional work.