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

A July 28 letter signed by Mitch McConnell and Kentucky lawmakers urged Trump to approve disaster aid after floods and tornadoes killed six people
5 hours ago
The filing marked the first time a bank has formally linked AML-related concerns to its decision to end its relationship with Trump's family business
6 hours ago
Trump Media's Truth API gives institutional investors faster access to major platform updates as Donald Trump remains Truth Social's top user
6 hours ago
Top Republicans have largely stayed silent on Max Miller as Mike Johnson said, 'the key word there is allegation'
7 hours ago
Hunter Biden's list spans nearly every corner of Trump's second term, from economic promises to foreign policy to the Reflecting Pool controversy
7 hours ago
Marco Rubio addressed concerns over Moscow’s alleged support for Tehran as President Donald Trump weighed confronting Vladimir Putin
7 hours ago
In his post, Donald Trump said that 'the country of Israel joins me' in supporting the proposed peace agreement
8 hours ago
Marco Rubio cited the convictions of Victor Manuel Rocha and Ana Belen Montes as examples of Cuba's alleged espionage activities
8 hours ago
Speaking in an interview with Lara Trump, Marco Rubio described the US-China relationship as a 'delicate balancing act'
9 hours ago
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the administration's stance after prosecutors cited construction flaws in seeking to drop David Hearn's case
10 hours ago