Iranian football star Sara Didar found herself fighting back tears as she voiced her hopes for Iran’s resilience amid the escalating Middle East conflict.

Speaking to reporters through an interpreter on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Asian Cup match against the Matildas on the Gold Coast, Didar became visibly emotional. Her concerns centered on her nation and the families of her teammates, who are currently facing challenging times.

Following the recent assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by the US and Israel, the country has experienced a widespread internet blackout. This development has made it increasingly difficult for players in Australia to maintain contact with their loved ones back home.

“Naturally, we’re deeply worried and saddened by the situation in Iran and the impact on our families there,” Didar expressed in Farsi during the press conference.

She added, “I sincerely hope for positive news for our country and that Iran remains strong and vibrant.”

The 21-year-old striker struggled to hold back her emotions as her words were translated into English, and she quickly left the room in tears.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro said he wanted his team to greet the Iranians “with human compassion” for a game where there is expected to be heightened police presence.

“We can’t talk about what’s happened, where they’re from… all we can talk about is about us here in this beautiful tournament,” Montemurro said.

“We want to give them the best tournament possible in terms of giving them the experience of a lifetime.

“For us, it’s about just showing our human compassion, our respect and show them how beautiful we are as a country, and how beautiful we are as Australians.”

Iran’s players and head coach Marziyeh Jafari have declined to comment on the nation’s political upheaval, although they did stage a protest of sorts by remaining silent through the national anthem prior to Monday’s 3-0 loss to South Korea.

Some Iranian fans waved the flag of Imperial Iran during Monday’s defeat at the hands of South Korea – the country’s official flag prior to the toppling of the US-backed Shah in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“We are so happy that Iranian-Australians here support us,” Jafari said.

“Obviously we have so much concern for our families and our loved ones and all other people inside our country, which we are fully disconnected with.

“Here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on the match ahead.”

Iran’s players were scheduled to train late on Wednesday as they face Australia for the time since the Matildas secured a 2-0 Olympic qualifying win over the Lionesses in 2023.

The two sides have shared a hotel on the Gold Coast this week and a win would give would secure Australia’s passage to the Asian Cup knockout stages.

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