Iranian women's soccer players granted asylum in Australia say they dream of continuing careers 'in safety'

Fox News national correspondent Bryan Llenas joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to report on Australia granting the Iranian women’s soccer team asylum amid conflict in the Middle East.

The two Iranian women’s soccer players who remained in Australia amid the U.S. and Israel’s joint military campaign against Iran have spoken out publicly for the first time since accepting asylum, saying they intend to continue their professional careers "in safety" there. 

Fatemeh Pasandideh ​and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh released a joint statement thanking the Australian government for its support and providing them with "safe haven." 

Iranian soccer player Fatemeh Pasandideh kicks a ball at a Brisbane Roar club training session in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, March 16, 2026. (Brisbane Roar/AP)

"The compassion and support shown to us during this challenging time has provided us with hope for a future where we can live and compete in safety," the statement read, via the Australian Associated Press.

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"We are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community in Australia. Your support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition," the statement continued. "At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives.

"We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia."

The situation involving the Iranian women’s soccer team began after the squad arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup in February. The team was already there when the U.S. launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran. 

Iranian soccer player Atefeh Ramezanisadeh kicks