Iran to boycott U.S. wrestling, fencing events to protest military action

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran will boycott wrestling and fencing tournaments in Atlanta and New York next month to protest American forces' actions in Shiite holy cities in Iraq, dealing a setback to the sports diplomacy between the two nations.

The announcements Monday came one day after Iran's Foreign Ministry said Tehran sent a "warning" message to the United States through the Swiss Embassy concerning Washington's actions in Iraq. A ministry spokesman would not elaborate.

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Mohammad Reza Taleqani told The Associated Press the decision was made "because of the current situation in the holy cities in Iraq." However, Iran may reconsider if U.S.-led coalition forces withdraw from holy cities in Iraq, he said.

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There have been almost daily street protests in Iran since Najaf's Imam Ali Mosque, one of the most important shrines in Shiite Islam, was damaged May 14 in fighting between coalition forces and Iraqi insurgents. The U.S. military said insurgents probably caused the damage, but Iranian officials hold the United States responsible.

http://www3.cjad.com/content/cp_article.asp?id=/global_feeds/canadianpress/worldnews/w052437A.htm

I hope them and the US Olympic team meet in Athens though, it will be a good match.