Iran's players saluted while singing the country's national anthem before their Asian Cup match against hosts Australia, in contrast to the silence at their opening match on Monday. Before that defeat by South Korea, the Iranian players had stood still, amid the wider context of escalating conflict following air strikes from the United States and Israel on their homeland. No official explanation has been offered for their differing approaches but on Wednesday, striker Sara Didar spoke emotionally about being separated from their loved ones. However, Alireza Mohebbi, an Australia-based correspondent for Iran International TV, told the BBC's partner ABC News, external there was "no doubt" the players were under instruction to sing. "It's completely obvious that the Islamic Republic's regime, and the security team which is with the players in Australia, forced them to sing and do the military salute," he said.

Source: BBC March 05, 2026 16:21 UTC