Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has revived concerns about disruptions to global oil supplies similar to those witnessed during the 1980s Iran–Iraq war , even as Australia granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s national football team who feared returning home amid the escalating crisis.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the players were moved from their hotel in the Gold Coast to a safe location by Australian Federal Police early Tuesday. There, the players met officials and the process of issuing humanitarian visas was completed.

The Iranian team had travelled to Australia to participate in the Women’s Asian Cup last month, before the war began. After being knocked out of the tournament over the weekend, the players faced the prospect of returning to a country currently under bombardment.

The five footballers granted asylum were Zahra Ghanbari , Fatemeh Pasandideh , Zahra Sarbali Alishah , Mona Hamoudi , and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh .

During the tournament, most players avoided commenting publicly on the situation in their home country. However, forward Sara Didar became emotional during a press conference while speaking about concerns for their families and fellow citizens amid the conflict.

The team also drew attention when they remained silent during the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea, a gesture some observers interpreted as a form of protest or mourning. They later sang the anthem before their remaining matches, without clarifying the earlier gesture.

The development came after Donald Trump urged Australia to grant asylum to the players rather than send them back to Iran, warning that forcing them to return could put their lives at risk. Trump later praised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for acting swiftly.

Trump also warned that the conflict could have wider geopolitical consequences, recalling the 1980s Iran–Iraq war, when attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf disrupted global energy supplies and raised fears about the safety of vital shipping routes.

The U.S. president cautioned that any attempt by Iran to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world’s most important energy corridors, would trigger a much harsher American response , reflecting growing concerns over the potential impact of the conflict on global oil markets.