US Permits Australia to Grant Asylum to Iran Women's National Football Team

President of the United States Donald Trump has announced that Australia has agreed to grant asylum to several members of Iran’s women’s national football team.

The move came after the players refused to sing their national anthem whilst competing in Australia amidst the turmoil of conflict in the Middle East.

Through a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated he had communicated directly with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the fate of the athletes.

“I just spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding Iran’s National Women’s Football Team. He is handling it! Five people have already been taken care of,” Trump wrote, as quoted by AFP.

The statement came less than two hours after an earlier Trump post urging Australia to accept them.

Whilst several players have received security assurances, Trump added that concerns remained over other team members.

According to Trump, some players felt they had no choice but to return to their home country.

“Some people, however, feel they must return because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to family members if they do not return,” he concluded.

As of now, coordination efforts between the United States and Australia are reported to be ongoing to ensure protection for players who choose not to return to Iran.

Australia has officially granted humanitarian visas to five players from Iran’s women’s national team who refused to sing their national anthem.