Iranian Women’s Soccer Team Silent During Anthem as Regime Turmoil Clouds Asian Cup Opener

Iran’s women’s national team stayed quiet through their national anthem before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against South Korea on the Gold Coast, a quiet protest amid the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and broader regime unrest. South Korea won 3-0, but the moment drew attention as Iranian supporters and officials navigated the political backdrop; head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on politics, and Iran will next host Australia at the same venue.