Penny Wong sidestepped a question regarding the Albanese government’s efforts to reach out to the Iranian national football team amid growing concerns about their potential persecution upon returning to Iran. The team’s silent protest, marked by their refusal to sing the national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup, has raised alarms about their safety.

During an appearance on ABC’s Insiders on Sunday, Wong was pressed about the players’ safety in light of their protest. The Iranian team had landed in Australia just before the US-Israel airstrikes on Iran. Their match against South Korea came shortly after the missile attack that claimed the life of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

With the team facing the prospect of returning to Iran after their final match on Sunday night, there is a growing clamor for the Albanese government to step in and provide assistance. A petition addressed to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has garnered 44,000 signatures, urging immediate action to protect the players.

Wong acknowledged the emotional impact the team’s presence in Australia has had, stating, “It has been really moving for Australians to see them here.” Her comments reflect the widespread public concern and empathy for the team’s plight.

Wong said Australians had been ‘moved’ watching the team play in Australia.

‘It has been really moving for Australians to see them here,’ she said.

‘We know this regime has brutally repressed many of its own people. 

Penny Wong (pictured) said Australians had been ‘moved’ by the Iranian football protest 

‘We know this regime has brutally oppressed many Iranian women. And we stand in solidarity with the men and women of Iran, and particularly Iranian women and girls.’ 

Wong refused to give more detail after Insiders host David Speers asked if the government had been able to contact players without their government-appointed minders present. 

‘I can’t comment on that. Obviously, these are ultimately matters that I would… decisions I would be making.’ 

The anthem incident on the Gold Coast isn’t the first time an Iranian national team has staged a protest about the regime.

At the 2022 Men’s World Cup, the players did not sing the national anthem or celebrate either of the two goals they scored in their opening match against England. 

The team’s actions came as a women’s protest movement against the regime was met by a brutal crackdown by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Last month it was reported that two Iranian women’s players had pulled out of the team shortly before the Asian Cup, as another protest movement was being put down in her country.

One of them, defender Kousar Kamali, wrote on social media: ‘When the heart is wounded and the soul is tired, football is no longer a refuge. I can’t pretend everything is normal.

The Iranian women’s football was condemned by Tehran for their national anthem protest

‘This decision is not out of anger, it is out of awareness. It is not out of disrespect, it is out of respect for my conscience.’

It’s understood the women have been unable to contact their families caught up in the ongoing conflict after a national internet blackout was issued in Iran.

The team and support staff sang the national anthem before Thursday’s 4-0 loss against the Matildas, with some declaring the players ‘hostages of the regime’.

‘These brave and peace loving women footballers are at risk. They have been threatened by the regime to sing the anthem and salute. Please be their voice,’ one Iranian-Australian commented online.

Wong addressed growing public concern about Australia’s military involvement in the escalating conflict with Iran. 

She stated firmly that Australia would not send ground troops under any circumstances. 

‘We are not participating in offensive action against Iran,’ she said. 

‘We have made very clear the basis of the decision and the parameters of our engagement.’ 

The team had arrived in Australia days before the US-Israel airstrikes against Iran and faced off against South Korea two days after their supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a missile attack

Wong acknowledged that Iranian drone and missile attacks had prompted several Middle Eastern countries to seek Australia’s assistance. 

‘We have been asked, and we will consider in accordance with those principles,’ she said.

‘If a decision is made, I’m sure we will be transparent with the Australian people

Wong rejected suggestions that collaboration with the United States under AUKUS amounted to subservience. 

‘I don’t accept that framing,’ she said. 

‘What we are doing is working on how we best protect our sovereignty in a more contestable world.’ 

Wong emphasised that deterrence remained central to Australia’s defence strategy.

Wong then turned to the massive consular operation underway to repatriate Australians stranded across the Middle East after Iranian strikes disrupted flights. 

She confirmed that about 11,000 Australians had already been assessed as eligible for evacuation. ‘

We’ve had nine flights depart Dubai for Australia, and more are scheduled today,’ Wong said. 

Two flights are expected to arrive in Australia this afternoon, with around 151 Australians on board.