Iran Women’s Football Team’s Anthem Silence Sparks Controversy at AFC Asian Cup

During the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, the Iran women's national football team initially remained silent during their national anthem before their opening match against South Korea, a gesture seen as protest amid escalating tensions in Iran. This silence drew harsh criticism from Iranian state media, with presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi calling the players "wartime traitors". Ahead of their second match against Australia, the team sang the anthem and performed a military-style salute, reportedly under pressure from Iranian authorities. International groups have expressed concern for the players' safety upon returning home.