Trump confirms Australia is sheltering Iranian women's soccer team who stood up to the regime

President Trump highlighted the sensitive nature of negotiations, noting that family safety concerns complicated efforts to protect all players
President Donald Trump announced that five Iranian soccer players were safe in Australia following asylum concerns (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)
President Donald Trump announced that five Iranian soccer players were safe in Australia following asylum concerns (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)


WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump announced on Monday, March 9, that the Australian government is moving to secure the safety of the Iranian national women’s soccer team.

Following a direct conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump confirmed that five members of the squad had already been "taken care of," with additional players currently in the process of being settled.

The team was in Australia for an international tournament when concerns for their safety escalated after players remained silent during the Iranian national anthem.

This act of defiance sparked fears of severe punishment by the Iranian regime, leading the president to advocate for asylum to prevent their forced return to Iran.

Delicate situation involves family safety

Members of the Iranian women's national soccer team pose for photographs after inspecting the pitch ahead of their game against South Korea on Monday at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)
While five players are secure, others fear for family members facing threats if they do not return to Iran (Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)

In a statement released on Truth Social, the president characterized the ongoing negotiations as a "rather delicate situation."

While progress had been made for several players, Trump noted that some team members feel compelled to return to Iran due to concerns over the safety of their families.

The president reported that these players have faced threats against their family members if they do not return home.

Despite these complications, Trump praised Prime Minister Albanese for doing a "very good job" in managing the logistics and security of the players currently seeking protection on Australian soil.

Asylum offered to prevent possible executions



The push for international intervention follows a stark warning from President Trump, who suggested that the players could face execution if they were to return to Iran under the current regime.

To ensure their safety, Trump previously offered the players asylum in the United States if the Australian government did not act.



The president concluded his announcement with a message of support, stating, "God bless Australia!" as the remaining players continue their journey toward safety.

The administration remains vigilant as the "rest are on their way," monitoring the status of the athletes still navigating the transition.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Bill Cassidy told the host that Kennedy’s remark suggesting that the Senate has no leverage over him was an obvious attempt to provide himself with cover for his failures as health secretary
2026-11-15T20:19:39.000Z
President Donald Trump, through a Truth Social post on Sunday, November 15, registered his anger over a federal court ruling that blocked the administration from closing the golf course on Sunday for the planned overhaul
2026-11-15T18:47:44.000Z
Transportation Secretary refused to apologize for the nationwide flight services outage that left thousands of passengers stranded and caused thousands of flight cancellations
2026-11-15T17:16:48.000Z
The FAA order, which was only the second nationwide ground stop of all departing flights in the United States since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, halted departures across the country for around four hours
2026-11-15T15:53:38.000Z
Several senior US officials have reportedly received additional security protection and restricted their public appearances
2026-11-15T08:15:52.000Z
The report said Marco Rubio made at least five trips to see the Florida Gators during the fall season and 23 trips since taking office, including 15 listed as personal trips
2026-11-15T06:43:29.000Z
After seven years of working together, Karoline Leavitt described Stephen Miller as a loyal friend who enjoys widespread respect among White House staff
2026-11-15T06:18:56.000Z
President Donald Trump accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of disregarding murder victims’ families as 548 inmates faced a change in sentences
2026-11-15T05:43:20.000Z
'I’ve viewed the president’s judgment in tearing down the East Wing and a number of other things as nothing more than to try to create monuments to himself,' Biden said
2026-11-15T05:26:46.000Z
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's potential candidacy was pitched as a way to advance working-class policies and expand democratic socialism nationwide
2026-11-15T05:10:00.000Z