President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States would be willing to grant asylum to members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team after reports emerged that several players feared retaliation if they returned home following the Asian Cup in Australia.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that the athletes could face severe punishment from Iranian authorities if they are forced back to Iran after being eliminated from the tournament.
“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,” continued the president. “Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Concerns about the players’ safety escalated after several members of the team reportedly made gestures that were interpreted as protests against the Iranian government.
According to CNN, “amid fears over their safety, five members of the Iranian women’s soccer squad have left the team’s hotel in Australia and are currently safe with police.”
The controversy began shortly after the United States and Israel launched a joint military strike on Iranian targets. During a match earlier in the tournament, Iranian players declined to sing their national anthem before kickoff. The team did not publicly explain the decision, but the act was widely interpreted as a symbolic protest against Iran’s ruling authorities.
Inside Iran, some hardline commentators reportedly labeled the gesture an act of treason.
In subsequent matches on Thursday and Sunday, the players were seen singing the anthem, reportedly under pressure.
Tensions grew further after the team’s final match, when protesters surrounded the team bus and called on authorities to protect the players. Witnesses said demonstrators shouted “save our goals,” while one activist claimed that three members of the team used an internationally recognized hand signal for help.
Athletes in Iran have previously faced punishment for perceived political dissent. Several Iranian athletes who publicly supported the nationwide protests that erupted after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini were arrested, banned from competition, or pressured into public apologies.
International player advocates say the situation surrounding the women’s national team has become increasingly concerning.
Beau Busch, president of the International Federation of Professional Footballers for Asia and Oceania, told reporters that contact with the players has been inconsistent.
“The reality at the moment is that we’re unable to get in touch with the players. That’s incredibly concerning. That’s not a new thing. That’s really been since the repression really dialed up in February, January,” Busch said, adding that “every bit of pressure” is being applied to ensure the athletes’ safety.
Later Monday, Trump said he had spoken directly with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the situation and indicated that Australian authorities were working to ensure the players’ protection.
“I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team. He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way,” Trump wrote in a second Truth Social post. “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. In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Trump’s comments came amid broader international concern about the safety of Iranian athletes and activists abroad, particularly those who publicly challenge the country’s leadership.
Human rights groups have long warned that Iranian authorities sometimes retaliate against family members of dissidents who remain inside the country, creating pressure on individuals overseas to return.
For now, the status of the Iranian women’s national team remains uncertain as authorities in Australia and international sports organizations continue working to ensure the players’ safety.
