Iranian women’s soccer team declines to sing national anthem at Asian Cup

The Iranian women’s national soccer team made a powerful statement during the Women’s Asian Cup by remaining silent while their national anthem played before their match against South Korea, which they lost 3-0. This act of defiance comes amid heightened tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to retaliate. The team is currently in a mourning period and is not preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, although they are participating in the Asian Cup.

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