Patriotic to the core, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi informs Olympiacos of his decision to join the military to defend his country amid the Middle East war.
On 3 Mar 2026 GMT+7, demonstrating deep patriotism, 33-year-old Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi notified his club Olympiacos, a prominent Greek league team, of his intention to join the military to protect his homeland amid the Middle East war, following heavy attacks by the United States and Israel in recent weeks, according to the Turkish media outlet Fanatik.
According to the same media, Mehdi Taremi personally met with the club's management to express his desire to return home and join the country's leaders and military commanders to defend his nation. Close associates quoted him saying to the club something along the lines of: "My country needs me now. This is the time my country needs me most because my people and homeland are in danger, and I must be there as soon as possible."
However, officials from the Iranian Football Federation have been trying to persuade the former Inter Milan and FC Porto star to remain in Greece and continue his professional football career, especially as he has been performing well for Olympiacos, scoring 10 goals in 16 matches. Nonetheless, Mehdi Taremi seems firmly determined to return to his country.