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Iran women’s football team sing anthem amid safety concerns during war

Iran women’s football team sing anthem amid safety concerns during war

Listen to this article Listen to this article | 5 mins info Players on the Iranian women’s football team have sung and saluted during their national anthem before their ⁠final Women’s Asian ⁠Cup match at Gold Coast Stadium in Australia, six days after their decision to remain silent during the anthem saw them labelled “wartime traitors” on state ⁠TV back home. The Iranians, whose situation has become a cause celebre among human rights campaigners in Australia, will play no further part in the tournament ⁠after a 2-0 loss on Sunday to the Philippines in Queensland. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list Their campaign in the continental showpiece started last weekend, just as the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28, killing at least 1,332 people since then, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran’s team and management, who have voiced fears and concerns for their families in Iran, wore a stoic look and chose not to sing their national anthem in the opening game against South Korea on Monday. Their decision drew criticism in Iran with Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi saying in a video that the players showed a lack of patriotism and their actions amounted to the “pinnacle of dishonour”. The Iranian team sang along to Mehr-e Khavaran (Eastern Sun) before their second defeat against the host nation on Thursday, sparking ⁠fears among Australian human rights campaigners that they had ⁠been coerced by government minders. No public reason was given for the players’ original stance over the pregame national anthem. Iran’s coach Marziyeh Jafari also salutes during the anthem alongside the players [Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP] ‘Credible fears for safety’ A petition launched on Friday on the Change.org website urging Australia to give refuge to the team had gathered more than 51,000 signatures by late on Sunday. The petition ⁠called on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to ensure the team did not depart Australia “while credible fears for ⁠their safety remain” but Burke’s office has not commented on the petition. Advertisement The petition asked local authorities to ensure any player seeking protection “can do so safely, privately, and without interference” and to “make clear that Australia will uphold its … humanitarian protection obligations in relation to any player at risk of persecution or serious harm”. “Where credible evidence exists that visiting athletes may face persecution, imprisonment, coercion, or worse upon return, silence is not a neutral position,” it said. “The current wartime environment has intensified repression, fear, and the risks faced by anyone publicly perceived by the Islamic Republic as disloyal.” Iranian Australian activist Tina Kordrostami, a member of local government in Sydney’s Ryde Council, told The Australian newspaper the Iranian players “need an opportunity, a safe space, a chance to actually speak up about what their needs are and what their ­requirements are”. “We can’t give them that space without the government helping us,” she said. Speaking to national broadcaster ABC before Sunday’s game, Foreign Minister Penny Wong was asked about the prospect of the team going home. “I want to say about the Iranian women’s team that it has been really moving for Australians to see them in Australia,” she said. Wong added that the sight of the Australian players swapping shirts with their Iranian opponents was “a very evocative moment”. “It spoke to solidarity and the way in which sport can bring us together,” she said. “We know this regime has brutally oppressed many Iranian women. Obviously, this is a regime that we ‌know has brutally cracked down on its people.” The US and Israel continued their large-scale strikes on Iran for a ninth day as the conflict has widened to include the Gulf region as well as Lebanon and Iraq. The players union FIFPRO had previously called on the Asian Football Confederation and global football’s governing body, FIFA, to uphold their human ‌rights ‌obligations and undertake all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Iran’s squad in the wake of the broadcast. Iran’s team ended their campaign winless, also losing 3-0 to South Korea and 4-0 to Australia to finish bottom of Group A with nine goals conceded and none scored. Matildas snatch late draw with South Korea Australia’s Alanna Kennedy scored ‌her second goal deep into stoppage time to achieve a 3-3 draw against South Korea, but it was not enough to prevent their opponents from topping Group A. The South Koreans, who sealed the top spot by virtue of their superior goal ⁠tally over the three group fixtures, will return to Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday for a quarterfinal against a third-placed team from one of the other opening-round groups. Advertisement The Matildas, meanwhile, will have to ⁠travel across Australia to play either North Korea or reigning champions China in the last eight at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday. Australia’s Alanna Kennedy, left, scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Australia drew 3-3 with South Korea to finish second in their group [Rick Rycroft/AP] Adblock test (Why?)

‘Gulf countries may question US capability to protect them’

‘Gulf countries may question US capability to protect them’

Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gordon Gray explains the short-term and long-term implications of US-Israeli war on Iran. Published On 8 Mar 20268 Mar 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)

Capitol Hill leader reveals how near-fatal car crash in teen years helped shape his life: ‘Battle of ideas’

Capitol Hill leader reveals how near-fatal car crash in teen years helped shape his life: ‘Battle of ideas’

FIRST ON FOX: The nation’s history is akin to someone who has faced adversity in life, suggested North Carolina Rep. Addison McDowell’s chief of staff, Alex Vargo, 34, who almost lost his life in a rollover car crash at age 16. Sunday marks the 18th anniversary of the car crash that nearly killed Vargo and helped shape his life after facing several hurdles in the aftermath of the accident. Rep. McDowell also faced adversity in his life after losing his brother to a fentanyl overdose, something that the North Carolina Republican has indicated drives him and his policymaking. During an interview with Fox News Digital, Vargo pointed out how the story of adversity, such as the events that he and the congressman have faced, is very similar to the story of America.  “Our country is not an old country, but I think in our history we’ve gone through periods of real trial – civil wars, massive pandemics that shut down our life – but I think we’re not defined by those tragedies,” Vargo told Fox News Digital. “We’re not defined by wars, we’re defined by how we came back after, how our country stuck together… The whole story of America is one of triumph. It’s one of going through hard times and coming out on the other side.” GOV GAVIN NEWSOM: FROM PRIVILEGE TO HEARTBREAK, MY LIFE BEHIND THE HEADLINES Vargo, who grew up in Pittsburgh, was driving home in the snow one day, when, just four days before his 17th birthday, he lost control of his car going down a hill. It slid off the road, went into a hillside, flipped and ultimately “imploded inward,” the chief of staff recounted. Half of his left hand ended up being severed and required eight hours of emergency surgery to put back together.  “People say they’re in shock – that’s the first time I’ve been in real shock,” Vargo said. “There are events in your life, not many but a handful that really shape how you view the world, what your purpose is, and that was definitely one.” Vargo said his purpose became more defined after the incident. He underwent months of painful therapy, where he re-learned how to use his hand for things like typing and dribbling a basketball. According to Vargo, he was given a second chance at life and wanted to make good use of it. It was those life experiences that drove the decision to enter into “the battle of ideas,” and be part of the conservative movement.  The now-chief of staff has been working in Congress since 2014. Starting as an intern on Capitol Hill, Vargo quickly rose in rank, leading him to serve alongside McDowell in the office of Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., while he was in the House. But Vargo believes his most consequential mission was his time in the Florida legislature. There he worked for former House Speaker Paul Renner during the time when Florida had the “Session of the Century.”  “Alex was a pivotal member of our team as we enacted transformational reforms in Florida. He was a strong advocate during my time as speaker,” Renner told Fox News Digital. “Together, we protected life, strengthened Florida’s gun laws, and passed the largest expansion of school choice in the nation. He’s turned personal trials into triumphs, and I’m grateful for his friendship,” Renner continued, referring to Vargo.  Vargo also has spent time with multiple grassroots organizations, such as Heritage Action For America and was the 2024 campaign manager for Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla.  FLORIDA REPUBLICAN REP NEAL DUNN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM CONGRESS AFTER FIVE TERMS “Going through trials is not unique to me or to the congressman. People go through trials, whether it’s in the three-mile radius we’re in right now, or throughout the country. I think it’s kind of the story of our country,” added Vargo. “As a country, we’ve gone through trials. But we’re not really defined by our imperfections. We’re defined by our principles and our values.” When asked whether Vargo’s tragic incident led him to focus on certain policy areas, he responded in the affirmative, pointing to healthcare affordability. Vargo said that through his accident he saw how “awesome” American healthcare is on one hand, but he also recalled how his experience opened his eyes to “how messed up of a system we have in terms of financing” healthcare.  Meanwhile, when asked about specific policy solutions, Vargo pointed to the integration between insurance companies, hospital systems, pharmacy benefit managers and pharmaceutical companies.  “They all play a role, but I think there’s not enough time when people are advocating for the consumer,” Vargo said. McDowell, who Vargo admitted has been through much more tragedy losing his brother than he did through his car crash, told Fox News Digital that from the first time he met Vargo he could tell he was “driven by a cause,” like himself, which McDowell described to Fox News Digital as “something bigger than himself.”  “When I got President Trump’s endorsement, I called my wife, my political consultant and then Alex to tell him he was going to be my chief when I won,” McDowell recalled.

Longtime Trump critic reveals why she thinks his Iran actions are wrong, warns it’s a ‘much bigger war’

Longtime Trump critic reveals why she thinks his Iran actions are wrong, warns it’s a ‘much bigger war’

The House voted Thursday on a Democrat-led Iran War Powers Resolution, aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s military authority in Tehran — bringing to the fore a sharp debate over executive powers, and reviving fresh questions as to what level of consultation, if any, presidents must seek from Congress before proceeding with military strikes.  If passed, the Democrat-led Iran War Powers Resolution would have required Trump to terminate the use of any U.S. armed forces against Iran unless it was “explicitly authorized” by Congress. House lawmakers are largely split on the issue along party lines.  Speaking to Fox News Digital in an interview after the House vote, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., defended her support for the new Iran War Powers Resolution. She said that, in her view, Trump had exceeded his authority and impinged upon Article I of the Constitution. “It’s about our Article I power,” she said.  Congress alone “has the power to declare war, and we cannot be putting our troops at risk based on the ‘opinion’ of any President unilaterally,” Jayapal said in a statement.  HOUSE VOTES TO LET TRUMP’S OPERATION EPIC FURY CONTINUE IN IRAN The vote came amid war in the Middle East following the U.S. strike on Iran days earlier— and as some Democrats have accused the Trump administration of racing to involve the U.S. in yet another long-running conflict in the Middle East without first consulting Congress.  Republicans, meanwhile, maintain that the White House is acting within its authority in the best interests of the country. Jayapal told Fox News Digital that she has long been a critic of other presidents who failed to consult Congress before taking military action — including under former President Joe Biden, after he ordered a U.S. airstrike on an Iran-backed militia in Syria. “I spoke out against Biden as well,” Jayapal said of Biden’s 2021 airstrike in Syria. HOUSE DEMOCRATS VOTE TO CONTINUE DHS SHUTDOWN DESPITE IRAN THREAT, NOEM’S OUSTER “I spoke out against every Democratic and Republican president who tried to go to war without authorization, because I don’t think it should be partisan,” she continued, adding: “It’s about our Article I power.” Her remarks come as the Democrat-led measure has sparked fierce opposition from nearly all GOP House members, and a small group of Democrats in the chamber, who noted that the commander in chief must retain some level of flexibility to respond to foreign threats and protect U.S. personnel and interests abroad. They also criticized Democrats who supported the Iran War Powers Resolution for second-guessing military decisions during a sensitive moment overseas.  Earlier this week, a group of Democrats urged House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to keep the House of Representatives in D.C. next week, citing the “rapidly evolving” situation in Iran. TRUMP SAYS ‘LOSERS’ SCHUMER, DEMS WOULD HAVE CRITICIZED ANY DECISION HE MADE ON IRAN Backers argue that restricting a president’s authority — and doing so in the middle of a volatile national security situation — could embolden foreign adversaries and undermine the U.S. ability to respond.  Democrats, meanwhile, have continued to cite concerns that Trump has failed to demonstrate an “imminent” threat that would justify unilateral military action under his Article II powers. The vote underscores a broader, long-running bipartisan debate over the scope of executive war powers and Congress’ role in authorizing the use of force — a tension that has spanned multiple administrations and conflicts. Jayapal, for her part, appeared unfazed by the GOP pushback.  She noted that, in her view, the U.S. action in Iran could be long-lasting, and is likely to have “much bigger consequences” than the U.S. involvement in Syria. “There are real troops on the ground here in a way that wasn’t the case in Syria,” Jayapal said. “And I think it’s a much, much, much bigger war with no imminent threat.”

Tim Tebow urges Congress to fight child trafficking, abuse in emotional plea: ‘Darkest hour of need’

Tim Tebow urges Congress to fight child trafficking, abuse in emotional plea: ‘Darkest hour of need’

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow appeared on Capitol Hill this past week to urge lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee to pass legislation to better combat child exploitation, trafficking and abuse — describing the effort as a fight “for people who cannot fight for themselves” and in their “darkest hour of need.”  Tebow, the founder and chair of his eponymous Tim Tebow Foundation, used the impassioned testimony before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee to shore up support for the Renewed Hope Act of 2026, or bipartisan legislation that seeks to increase federal resources to fight child exploitation and abuse.  Framing the crisis as a “fight for people who cannot fight for themselves in their darkest hour of need,” Tebow said his foundation is working “imperfectly, but in every way that we can” to support the fight against child exploitation, including by providing additional support to law enforcement and funding long-term restoration efforts to support victims. His foundation currently provides support for some 52 safe homes, and is in the process of expanding the support to an additional 19 homes. DHS SHUTDOWN TRIGGERS TSA ‘EMERGENCY MEASURES’ AS LAWMAKER WARNS AIRPORTS COULD FEEL ECONOMIC PAIN “It is a thin line between tortured and treasured,” Tebow told lawmakers Tuesday. “And you are that thin line,” he said, urging the chamber to take swift action to approve the bill. “I spent way too much of my life chasing a much less important MVP,” Tebow added. “I want to spend the rest of my life chasing the most vulnerable people.” The Renewed Hope Act of 2026, which cleared House committee Markup earlier this year, seeks to establish a dedicated workforce of more than 200 analysts, investigators, and forensic specialists working within DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI, to “deconflict, coordinate, and synchronize child sexual exploitation investigations.”  The bill would equip and specially train officers on victim identification, location and rescue operations for unknown children or children identified in sexual abuse databases. Support for the legislation comes as the number of unidentified child victims in exploitation databases has surged in recent years. According to the Tim Tebow Foundation, there are an estimated 57,000 unidentified victims of child trafficking. The foundation emphasizes that these children remain hidden from official statistics and protection systems — as echoed by others who testified in Tuesday’s emotional hearing.   HOUSE VOTES TO LET TRUMP’S OPERATION EPIC FURY CONTINUE IN IRAN In the last six months alone, Tebow noted that more than 338,000 unique IP addresses based in the U.S. have been identified trading child sexual abuse images across so-called “peer-to-peer” networks. “Every day, [these children] are praying that we are going to respond,” Tebow said in his testimony. “But how are we going to respond?” “I am deeply grateful to the members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who are coming together to support the Renewed Hope Act of 2026. This legislation gives our nation the opportunity to build a stronger rescue team of analysts and investigators so that children who are suffering can be identified and protected. This is a problem we can solve.” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, has long prioritized issues of child trafficking, which he assailed as a “scourge” on our society. “I am convening this subcommittee hearing to expose how our youth are groomed, exploited and overlooked by the existing system,” he said this week. “Congress must dismantle the criminal networks that profit from exploiting the most vulnerable among us and put an end to child trafficking.” Fox News Digital’s Scott Thompson contributed to this report.