President Donald Trump has urged Australia to grant asylum to members of Iran's national women's soccer team, calling it a 'terrible humanitarian mistake' to send them back to Iran. He said the United States would accept the players if Australia refused, arguing they could face severe punishment or death upon return.

The controversy comes after the team competed in the Asian Cup tournament hosted by Australia, which coincided with airstrikes by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran's supreme leader. The players drew attention when they stood in silence during their national anthem before their opening match, prompting accusations of disloyalty from Iranian state media. They later sang the anthem before a subsequent game, raising concerns among human rights advocates that they had been pressured.

Reports indicate that five players have sought protection in Australia and are under police protection while requesting government assistance. Australian officials have declined to comment on individual cases, while global player representatives have expressed serious concerns about the team's safety if they return home.