Trump Urges Australia to Grant Asylum to Iranian Women's Soccer Team Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant humanitarian appeal, US President Donald Trump has urged Australia to grant asylum to the Iranian National Women's Soccer Team, fearing for their safety if returned to Iran. This plea follows the team's elimination from the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, where they faced three consecutive defeats. Amid rising tensions in West Asia, particularly after the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, five players have reportedly sought refuge in Australia. The situation highlights the urgent need for international support for these athletes as they navigate a perilous political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 22:04 IST

Trump's Call for Asylum

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has called on Australia to offer asylum to the Iranian National Women's Soccer Team, emphasizing that sending them back to Iran could jeopardize their safety. This plea comes after Iran's team faced elimination in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, suffering three consecutive losses: 3-0 against South Korea on March 2, 4-0 against Australia on March 5, and 2-0 against the Philippines on March 8.

Social Media Appeal

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his concerns, stating, "Australia is making a grave humanitarian error by returning the Iranian National Women's Soccer Team to Iran, where their lives are at risk. I urge you, Mr. Prime Minister, to grant them ASYLUM. The U.S. is prepared to accept them if you do not. Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter."

Players Seek Refuge

This situation has escalated as five players from the Iranian women's team have reportedly left their training camp and sought refuge in Australia, as confirmed by a statement from the office of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.

The statement noted, "Prince Reza Pahlavi's office has received information that five players from the Iranian women's national football team—Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi—have successfully sought refuge in Australia."

These athletes, now in a secure location, have declared their support for Iran's national Lion and Sun Revolution.

Escalating Regional Tensions

Tensions in West Asia have intensified following the assassination of Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during coordinated military strikes by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, which also resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic.

In response, Iran conducted counter-strikes targeting U.S. military bases in various Arab nations and Israeli interests in the region. The conflict has further escalated, with Israel and the U.S. continuing their military actions against Tehran, extending their operations into Lebanon to target Hezbollah and Iranian-aligned groups.

New Leadership in Iran

On Sunday, Iran's Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the supreme leader, announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, as the new supreme leader. At 56, he becomes the third individual to hold this position since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.