United States President Donald Trump has urged Australia to grant asylum to members of Iran’s women’s national football team, warning that the players could face serious danger if they return to their country.
Trump made the appeal on Monday through his social media platform, Truth Social, revealing that he had already spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the situation and that the matter was being addressed.
Iran’s women’s national team was drawn in Group A of the Women’s Asian Cup alongside Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines.
During their opening group match against South Korea on March 2, the entire Iranian team stood in silence and refused to sing their national anthem. The action sparked outrage in Iran, with some calling for the players to be punished.
After the team was eliminated from the tournament, supporters reportedly surrounded the team bus and urged the players to remain in Australia, fearing they could face severe consequences or even death if they returned home.
Trump expressed support for the players and appealed to the Australian government to offer them protection.
“I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team,” Trump wrote.
“He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way. Some, however, feel they must return because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t go back.
“In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job handling this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!” Trump added.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East remain high as the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which began on February 28, has now entered its tenth day.
There are also growing concerns about Iran’s potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
