Iranian football clubs Esteghlal and Tractor have been confirmed to play their Asian Champions League Elite matches against Qatari and United Arab Emirates opponents at neutral venues. The draw for the group stage of the AFC's premier event, which begins on September 14, was held on Tuesday.

The decision comes in the wake of escalating regional tensions, including the "US-Israel war on Iran" which began in February. Following these attacks, Iran has launched strikes into Qatar and the UAE, citing retaliation for the use of bases in those countries for the initial attacks. Iran's neighbours have urged Tehran to cease firing into their territories.

Esteghlal and Tractor will face UAE sides Al Ain, Al Wasl, and Shabab Al-Ahli, along with Qatari clubs Al Gharafa, Al Sadd, and Al Shamal. Notably, both Iranian teams avoided the heavily favored Saudi Arabian contingent in the draw. Iran's domestic league, which was suspended in February, resumed last weekend with matches played behind closed doors or with capacity restrictions.

From the quarterfinals onwards, all matches in the tournament will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, culminating in the final on May 1. The AFC Elite competition is divided into two 16-team regional zones, East and West. In the Western zone, Saudi Arabia boasts five clubs, including Al-Ahli, which is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive Champions League title.

Al-Ahli's coach Matthias Jaissle recently departed to manage English Premier League club Newcastle. Riyadh rival Al-Hilal is pursuing its fifth title, while Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead Al-Nassr back into the competition after their Saudi Pro League victory in May.

In the Eastern zone, Japanese teams have reached the final in the last two editions, though neither Kawasaki Frontale nor Machida Zelvia, who lost to Al-Ahli in previous finals, have qualified this year. Gamba Osaka won the title in 2008, and South Korea is represented by two former champions: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, aiming for a third crown, and Pohang Steelers, seeking their fourth.

The top eight teams from each group in both zones will progress to the round of 16. The ongoing geopolitical situation has necessitated the neutral venue arrangements for matches involving Iranian clubs against Qatari and UAE opposition.

On Sunday, Iran alleged that three of its pilots missing since March were being held in Qatar, a claim that Doha has denied. This incident adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations in the region.