Overview
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said one of seven asylum-seekers reversed her decision, contacted the Iranian embassy, and revealed the safe-house location, prompting an immediate move of the others to a new secure site.
- Australian officials said they privately interviewed delegation members at the border without minders present, offered protection without pressure, and issued temporary humanitarian visas that carry a pathway to permanent residency.
- Six women remain in Australia after the reversal; identified recipients include captain Zahra Ghanbari and players Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi.
- The Asian Football Confederation said the rest of the Iranian delegation is in a Kuala Lumpur hotel awaiting onward travel, as Iran’s federation accuses Australia of coercion and Canberra rejects those claims.
- The players sought sanctuary after staying silent during Iran’s anthem and being branded “traitors,” drawing advocacy from human-rights groups and public appeals from President Donald Trump for their protection.