U.S. president Donald Trump has urged Australia to provide asylum to members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team, criticizing the decision to send them back to Iran as a “terrible humanitarian mistake.”
The team had competed in the Australian-hosted Asian Cup, which coincided with U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They were eliminated from the tournament after a 2-0 loss to the Philippines.
Trump, posting on Truth Social, warned that the team members “will most likely be killed” if returned to Iran and offered U.S. refuge if Australia refused. Australian authorities have confirmed that five players have “broken free” and are now under Australian Federal Police protection, with government officials working to ensure their safety.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reportedly traveled to Brisbane to meet with the women.
Concerns over the players’ safety were heightened after they initially refused to sing the Iranian national anthem before their first match against South Korea, an act criticized by state media in Iran as a “pinnacle of dishonour.” They later performed the anthem and saluted before their second match against Australia, raising fears that they were coerced by government minders.
Trump also called on members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, military, and police to lay down their arms or face death, offering immunity to those who defect. He also encouraged Iranian diplomats abroad to seek asylum, emphasizing that the next leader of Iran would not be allowed to threaten the U.S. or its neighbors and stating:
They have no air defense. All of their airplanes are gone. Their communications are gone. Missiles are gone. Launchers are gone. About 60% and 64%, respectively. Other than that, they’re doing quite well. I said, what’s left? But they’re tough, and they want to fight.
According to the U.S. president, ending the conflict in Iran would be a “mutual” decision with Israel, adding that discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would help determine when the U.S.-Israeli operations conclude. Trump claimed
I think it’s mutual … a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account.
