The saga of theIranian women's soccer teamtook a marginal turn for the better on Tuesday afternoon, after the advocacy ofPresident Donald Trump.
With the war in Iran ongoing, there have been any number of ancillary effects on those either in the Middle East, or in this case, Iranians themselves. Thousands of American citizens have already been evacuated from the region, thanks to the efforts of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump, and outsiders helping out.
But one of the more compelling stories, and a terrifying reminder of the dangers of the regime in charge of Iran, is the country's women's soccer team. Competing in the Asian Cup inAustralia, the team refused to sing the national anthem of the Iranian regime ahead of one of their games.
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As a result, reports broke that there were immediate fears over their ability to safely return to Iran. State television back home called them "traitors," perpetuating the "pinnacle of dishonor." Five players reportedly left the team hotel and safely reached Australian police. And the story only got more dramatic from there.
Islamic Republic of Iran poses for a team photo during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Islamic Republic of Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on March 08, 2026, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Initially, it appeared as though Australia would still force them to return home, something that Trump said could lead to their deaths.
"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," he said in a Truth Social post.
"Don't do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give asylum. The U.S. will take them if you won't. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President Donald J. Trump."
Soon afterward, Trump posted an update that Australia had agreed to give the team asylum. Five players initially accepted the offer, and on Tuesday, the Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, announced that two more players and staffers were granted humanitarian visas.
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