President Donald Trump has urged Australia to provide asylum to Iran's national women's football team, declaring the country is committing a "terrible humanitarian mistake" by permitting the players to return home.
Writing on Truth Social on Monday, the US president warned the athletes "will most likely be killed" should they be forced back to Iran.
Mr Trump directly appealed to Australia's prime minister, stating: "Don't do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM."
He added America would accept the women if Australian authorities refused to offer them protection.
The President's full statement on Truth Social said: "Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.
"Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM.
"The U.S. will take them if you won’t.
"Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Iran's women's national football team refused to sing their country's anthem | GETTYFollowing his initial plea, the US President added: "I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team. He’s on it!
"Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.
"Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return.
"In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
The controversy erupted last week when the Iranian squad declined to perform their national anthem ahead of their opening Asian Cup fixture against South Korea.
Their silent protest drew fierce condemnation from commentators in Iran, with one broadcaster on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting describing the act as the "pinnacle of dishonour".
Iranian state media went further, branding the players "wartime traitors" for their refusal to sing.
The tournament began as American and Israeli forces conducted air strikes against Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, adding significant political tension to the team's participation in the Australian-hosted competition.
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Mr Trump directly appealed to Australia's prime minister on Truth Social
|TRUTHSOCIAL
The Iranian team's tournament ended on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to the Philippines.
Before their second match against Australia, the players sang the anthem and performed a salute, prompting concerns among human rights campaigners that government minders had pressured the women into compliance.
FIFPRO, the global players' union, expressed serious worries about the squad's welfare on Monday as preparations were made for their journey home.
The team is currently located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, with their fate remaining uncertain as international attention focuses on their situation.
Mr Trump's intervention came despite his administration having suspended refugee admissions to the United States last year
|GETTY
Matt Thistlethwaite, Australia's assistant minister for foreign affairs and trade, declined to comment on whether the government would grant asylum to the players.
He cited privacy considerations around individual cases.
Mr Trump's intervention came despite his administration having suspended refugee admissions to the United States last year, with exceptions made only for white South Africans.
Public support for the Iranian women has been substantial, with more than 66,000 people signing a petition calling for their safety to be guaranteed.
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