President Donald Trump warns athletes could face serious repercussions if they are forced to return to Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem during an international tournament.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump urged Australian officials to grant asylum to members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team after the athletes were condemned by Iranian state media for refusing to sing their country’s national anthem during a recent tournament.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said the players could face severe punishment if they are required to return to Iran and called on Australia’s government to intervene.
“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed,” Trump wrote. “Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t.”
Trump later said he had discussed the issue directly with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In a second statement shared on Truth Social, the president said steps were already being taken to protect some members of the team.
“I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team. He’s on it!” Trump wrote. “Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.”
Trump also acknowledged that some players may feel compelled to return to Iran because of concerns about their families.
“Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return,” Trump wrote. “In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation.”
Australia has faced increasing pressure to protect the athletes following their silent protest during the Women’s Asian Cup. According to reporting from The New York Times, the players stood silently during the Iranian national anthem before their opening match, a gesture widely interpreted as a protest against Iran’s ruling authorities.
The action quickly drew condemnation from Iranian state media, with commentators reportedly labeling the players “traitors” and calling for punishment.
The 26-member team was scheduled to return to Iran after playing its final match of the tournament Sunday night. Iran was eliminated from the competition after a 2-0 loss to the Philippines.
Concerns about the athletes’ safety have grown as the tournament concludes. Five members of the team have already left the squad’s hotel and are currently under police protection in Australia, according to a report by CNN Sports.
Tina Kordrostami, a local councilor in the Sydney area who has been communicating with several of the players, described their decision to remain silent during the anthem as an act of defiance.
“They can only talk with silence. It was a dismissal of the regime,” Kordrostami said, describing the moment as “one of the most courageous things I’ve seen.”
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former monarch, also praised the athletes’ actions, calling their protest a “brave act of civil disobedience” and warning that they could face serious consequences if they return to Iran.
Human rights advocates and figures in the international sports community have also called on Australian authorities to ensure the safety of the team members.
Craig Foster, a former captain of Australia’s national soccer team and a human rights advocate, said officials must treat the situation with urgency.
“It is clear they are being silenced and coerced,” Foster said, urging authorities to take steps to protect the players before they are compelled to travel back to Iran.
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