Washington/Canberra, 10 March (H.S.): U.S. President Donald Trump urged Australia on Tuesday to grant asylum to Iran's women's national football team, warning that repatriating the players amid the escalating Iran conflict could endanger their lives with severe reprisals.

The appeal spotlighted a controversy from the Women's Asian Cup in Australia, where the Iranian squad refused to sing their national anthem before a February 28 match—interpreted as dissent against Tehran's regime following initial U.S.-Israeli strikes. Iranian state media and hardliners branded the athletes wartime traitors, fueling demands for punishment and amplifying fears of persecution.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump cautioned that returnees face harsh penalties or worse, framing it as a looming humanitarian crisis and imploring Canberra to offer sanctuary. Should Australia demur, he proffered America as a refuge, igniting global debate as advocates report five players already seeking protection Down Under, with captain Zahra Ghanbari among those granted temporary visas and training invites from Brisbane Roar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar