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Trump Urges Australia to Save Iranian Women’s Footballers: "The U.S. Will Take Them if You Won’t"

Aaryan Puneet Dwivedi
10 March 2026 1:30 AM IST
Trump Urges Australia to Save Iranian Women’s Footballers: The U.S. Will Take Them if You Won’t
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Donald Trump urges Australia to grant asylum to Iranian female footballers after their anthem protest. Trump says the U.S. will take them if Australia refuses.

Trump Appeals to Australia: Save Iranian Women Footballers from "Humanitarian Mistake"

As the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran reaches its tenth day, a major human rights drama is unfolding on the football pitch. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an urgent plea to Australia, asking the country to provide asylum to the Iranian National Women’s Soccer team. The President warned that forcing these athletes to return to Tehran would be a "terrible humanitarian mistake" because their lives are now in grave danger.


Why the Iranian Footballers Face Danger After Anthem Protest

The trouble began during the Women’s Asian Cup currently being held in Australia. On February 28, just as the US-Israel-Iran war intensified, the Iranian players chose to stand in complete silence during their national anthem before a match against South Korea. This silent protest was seen as a brave stand against their government back home.

However, the reaction from Tehran was swift and harsh. Iranian state media and hard-line commentators labeled the young women as "wartime traitors" and called for "harsh punishment." Because of these threats, there are deep fears that if the players return to Iran, they could face imprisonment or worse.

Video of Iranian women players not singing the national anthem…




Donald Trump’s Truth Social Post and Offer for Shelter



U.S. President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to address the situation. He spoke directly to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging him to protect the team. Trump stated that if Australia is unwilling or unable to keep the players safe, the United States is ready to welcome them.

"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 posted. "Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t."


Five Iranian Players Already Under Police Protection

In a follow-up update, President Trump revealed that he had spoken with the Australian leader and that progress was being made. Reports indicate that at least five Iranian footballers have already "broken free" from their team handlers and are now being guarded by the Australian Federal Police in Queensland.

The names of the players seeking refuge reportedly include Zahra Ghanbari, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi. These women are currently in a safe location while their asylum applications are being processed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.


The Struggle of Families and "Exit Trafficking" Fears

While some players have escaped to safety, the situation remains "delicate" for the rest of the squad. Many team members are terrified to seek help because they fear the Iranian government will retaliate against their families back home. There are reports that family members in Iran have already received threats to ensure the players return.

In Australia, legal experts are even investigating the case as a potential instance of "exit trafficking," where athletes are being coerced or forced to leave a safe country against their will to face danger at home. Human rights groups and fans have gathered outside stadiums, chanting "Save our girls" to show the world that these players should not be forgotten.


Impact of the US-Israel-Iran War Day 10

This sports crisis is happening against the backdrop of a massive regional war. It is now Day 10 of the US-Israel-Iran war, which began on February 28. With high-ranking leaders in Iran being targeted and a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, taking charge, the political atmosphere is more dangerous than ever.

For the Iranian female footballers, the football field has become a battlefield for freedom. As the Women’s Asian Cup ends for the Iranian team, the world is waiting to see if the remaining players will choose safety in Australia or the United States, or if they will be forced to return to a very uncertain future.

Aaryan Puneet Dwivedi

Aaryan Puneet Dwivedi

Aaryan Puneet Dwivedi is a senior editor and an experienced journalist who has been active in the news industry since 2013. He has extensive experience covering and editing news across multiple fields, including politics, national and international affairs, sports, technology, business, and social issues. He is a state-level accredited journalist recognized by the Madhya Pradesh government. Known for his in-depth understanding of news and current affairs, he focuses on delivering accurate, reliable, and reader-friendly information across all major news categories.

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