Iranian President Hassan Rouhani proposed to the Emir of Qatar on Sunday that Tehran help Doha in the construction of infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup that is hosted by the Gulf state.
Rouhani made the suggestion during a telephone call with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad.
The diplomatic and economic of Qatar boycott by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates has left a negative impact on its ability to host the world’s top football tournament.
The four countries announced their boycott in June 2017 over Doha’s support and financing of terrorism.
The ensuing crisis resulted in delays in meeting construction deadlines for the World Cup.
Qatar used to rely significantly on importing its building material from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Iranian media reported that Rouhani suggested to the Qatari ruler that Tehran take part in the construction of sports venues for the World Cup.
Iran itself is suffering from a stifling economic crisis that has seen the currency lose half of its value since April. It has also come under re-imposed US economic sanctions that took effect in early August.
There have been persistent, low-level strikes and demonstrations across Iran for months over high prices and unpaid wages that have occasionally turned into violent protests against the ruling regime as a whole.
