Helena Frye
In 2017, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, from entering the US. This ban affected athletes and sports leagues, including US basketball players in Iran's professional league, who were unable to return to Iran and continue playing with their teams. In retaliation, Iran also banned US citizens from entering the country, leaving some American basketball players stranded in Dubai. The impact of the ban on the Iranian basketball league is uncertain, but it has caused disruption and uncertainty for players and teams. The ban has also raised concerns about its potential effect on other international sporting events and athletes' careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries affected by the ban | 12 countries with full restrictions, 7 countries with partial restrictions |
| Countries with full restrictions | Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia |
| Countries with partial restrictions | Venezuela, Haiti |
| Type of ban | Travel ban, immigration ban, Muslim ban |
| Affected individuals | Iranian nationals, Iranian dual nationals, U.S. permanent residents born in Iran, U.S. basketball players in Iran |
| Impact on sports | Disruption of individual careers and scheduled events, difficulty in international travel |
| Visa implications | Uncertainty for visa holders, potential for visa renewals to be denied |
| Reciprocal measures | Iran issued a ban on U.S. citizens in response |
| Expiration | 90-day ban, indefinite ban on Syrian refugees |
| Potential long-term impact | Permanent ban for some countries, including Iran |
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What You'll Learn
US basketball players in Iran stranded in Dubai
In 2017, two US basketball players, Joseph Jones and J.P. Prince, found themselves stranded in Dubai as a result of Iran's ban on US citizens. The ban was a direct response to President Donald Trump's executive order, commonly referred to as the "Muslim ban", which barred citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, from entering the United States.
Jones and Prince, who played together on a team in Iran's Super League, had travelled to Dubai for a team-sponsored trip and to renew their visas. However, while they were in Dubai, Iran retaliated against Trump's ban by tightening its borders to US citizens. This left the two players unable to return to Iran and rejoin their team.
The players' agent, Eric Fleisher, stated that they were "still sitting in Dubai, waiting to see if there can possibly be any change in their status as it relates to getting back into Iran so they can finish their season". He also noted that the players could lose over $100,000 if they were unable to play the rest of the season. Additionally, if they were unable to return to the Iranian league, they might face challenges finding new teams in Asia and Europe due to the timing of their displacement and transfer deadlines for foreign players.
At the time, it was unclear whether Jones and Prince would be able to renew their visas and return to Iran. Fleisher worked with the team and the government to see if an exemption could be made, but there was no indication of when they would be able to return.
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US retaliation: Iranian ban on US citizens
In 2017, Iran responded to former US President Donald Trump's ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, by announcing a ban on US citizens entering the country. This retaliatory move left some US basketball players, like JP Prince and Joseph Jones, stranded in Dubai, unable to return to Iran where they played professionally. The players' agent, Eric Fleisher, expressed uncertainty about their ability to renew their visas amidst the political tension.
Iran's Foreign Ministry criticized the US travel ban as an open affront against the Muslim world and a great gift to extremists. They emphasized their distinction between the American people and the policies of the US government, stating their commitment to the principle of reciprocity until the limitations against Iranian nationals were lifted. This sentiment was echoed by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who criticized the construction of walls between nations and the cancellation of world trade agreements.
The impact of the US ban extended beyond basketball players, affecting an estimated one million Iranian-Americans who would face challenges in having their relatives and friends visit the United States. The tension between the two countries has persisted, with Iranian retaliation against US forces remaining a concern in 2025. President Trump warned that any retaliation by Iran would be met with significant force, and the US military increased protection for its troops in the region.
The travel ban has also had implications for sports events, such as the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While the Iranian national team will be able to enter the US, Iranian fans and media may be barred from attending, sparking debates about discrimination and the potential impact on Iran's participation.
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Visa issues for US basketball players in Iran
In 2017, US basketball players in Iran's professional league faced visa issues due to President Donald Trump's travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran. The ban created uncertainty for US citizens living and working in Iran, including basketball players J.P. Prince and Joseph Jones, who played for the team Azad. The players left Iran to renew their visas in Dubai and were stranded there indefinitely due to Iran's retaliatory ban on US citizens.
The players' agent, Eric Fleisher, stated that their visas had expired and expressed uncertainty about their ability to renew them in the tense political climate. He also attributed some responsibility to the team, stating that they "didn't do it properly," and emphasised the financial implications for the players if they could not finish the season.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, clarified that people with valid Iranian visas would still be welcome in the country, and their decision was not retroactive like the US ban. However, the lack of clarity and the ongoing tensions between the two countries created a challenging situation for US athletes in Iran's basketball league.
The travel ban raised concerns in the sports world, highlighting the potential disruption to individual athletes' careers and scheduled sporting events. The ban's impact extended beyond basketball, affecting athletes in other sports and leagues, such as Major League Cricket and the Tibetan women's soccer team, who were denied US visas for a tournament in Texas.
While the specific visa issues for US basketball players in Iran during that period are unclear, the broader context of the travel ban and its impact on athletes is evident. The situation also underscores the complex interplay between politics and sports, with international tensions directly affecting the mobility and careers of athletes.
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Trump's ban affects athletes competing outside the US
In 2025, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. The move was seen as a discriminatory attack on the LGBTQ+ community, with many trans athletes expressing their devastation at being barred from sports. The ban threatens to cut off federal funding for schools that allow trans women or girls to take part in female-designated sporting competitions.
While the impact of this ban is largely seen within the US, it also has consequences for athletes competing outside of the country. In Iran, for example, Trump's travel ban prevented Iranian fans and media from attending the 2026 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the US. Iranian basketball players were also caught up in the travel ban, with two US players in Iran's professional league facing difficulties in renewing their visas.
Trump's ban on Iranian citizens entering the US has had a direct impact on athletes travelling to and from the country. The ban affects Iranian nationals, dual nationals, and even US permanent residents born in Iran. Iranian-American athletes, for instance, may find themselves unable to enter the US or face challenges in obtaining visas to compete in sports leagues outside of the country.
Moreover, the travel ban has also led to reciprocal actions from Iran. The Iranian government has issued a strong statement condemning the executive order and warned of legal, political, and reciprocal measures. Iranian officials stated that they would bar all US citizens from entering the country, which could include US athletes or sports teams visiting Iran for competitions.
Trump's ban has not only affected Iranian athletes' ability to travel to the US but has also caused a ripple effect, with potential consequences for US athletes competing in Iran and other affected countries. The reciprocal nature of the ban highlights the broader impact of such policies on athletic competitions and international relations.
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Trump's ban may impact future US Olympic bids
In 2017, US President Donald Trump's executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US caused concern in the sports world. The ban included Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Syria and raised questions about its impact on international athletes, sports entities, and leagues. While the ban was initially set for 90 days, with an indefinite suspension of Syrian refugees, it directed the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to conduct studies extending for 200 days.
The ban affected US basketball players in Iran's professional league, such as JP Prince and Joseph Jones, who were left stranded in Dubai, unable to return to Iran to continue their season. This disruption caused financial strain and uncertainty for the players. Additionally, Iranian fans faced travel bans to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, raising concerns about discrimination and the ability for Iranian citizens to support their national team.
While the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles may be exempt from the travel ban, the impact of Trump's policies on the global sports community has been notable. The International Olympic Committee will need to consider these implications when evaluating future US Olympic bids. Trump's anti-immigration stance and the resulting disruptions to athletes' careers and scheduled events could negatively affect the perception of the US as a host country.
The US has faced criticism from the international sports community, with FIFA officials expressing concerns about Trump. The organisers of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, may need to distance themselves from Trump to succeed. Trump's negative comments about neighbouring Canada and Mexico could further impact the perception of the US as a desirable host for international sporting events.
In summary, Trump's travel ban and anti-immigration policies have disrupted the sports world, affecting athletes' careers and fans' abilities to attend events. These factors may influence how the International Olympic Committee views future US Olympic bids, potentially impacting the country's ability to secure hosting rights.
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Frequently asked questions
President Trump issued an executive order banning citizens of 7 Muslim-majority countries from entering the US for 90 days. The countries included Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Syria. The ban also included an indefinite restriction on Syrian refugees.
The ban prevented US basketball players from re-entering Iran and disrupted their careers and the basketball league. Two such players, JP Prince and Joseph Jones, were left stranded in Dubai and unable to return to Iran to play for their team, Azad.
Iran issued a strong statement condemning the ban and said it would take legal, political, and reciprocal measures. Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that people with valid visas to travel to Iran would still be welcome, unlike the US ban, which was retroactive.
Yes, the ban and the US's anti-immigration policies have impacted other sports and athletes. For example, the Tibetan women's soccer team was denied US visas to attend the Dallas Cup in Texas in 2017. The ban also raised concerns about the impact on the Olympics and the World Cup.
