Iranian Women’s Squad Observes Silence as National Anthem Plays in Wake of Supreme Leader’s Passing and Ongoing Political Crisis

Iran’s women’s national football team, the Lionesses, did not sing the national anthem before their AFC Women’s Asian Cup match against South Korea in Gold Coast, Australia, on March 2, 2026. The team’s silence occurred amid heightened tensions following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, ‘Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,’ and other high-ranking officials on March 1. Players’ stoic demeanor, marked by minimal movement and straight faces, drew attention as a possible expression of dissent against the regime’s instability and the ongoing international conflict.

The Lionesses, governed by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), have a history of international participation, including their first FIFA-recognized match against Syria in 2005. Their inclusion in the Asian Cup highlights the growing visibility of women’s football in Iran, despite historical restrictions on female athletes. The team’s participation in global competitions has often been influenced by the country’s political climate, with past limitations on women’s sports activities.

The team’s silence coincided with a broader geopolitical crisis. U.S.-Israeli strikes, designated as ‘Operation Epic Fury‘, targeted Iran’s leadership, including ‘Khamenei,’ prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran against Israel and regional allies such as Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. The strikes resulted in at least five fatalities, with casualties reported in the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Iran’s Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, expressed skepticism about the team’s World Cup prospects, citing the 40-day mourning period following Khamenei’s death as a disruption to preparation.

Reactions to the team’s silence were limited. Australian midfielder Amy Sayer, speaking to The Guardian, acknowledged the players’ courage, stating, ‘Our heart goes out to them and their families… it’s really brave of them to be here and to perform.‘ Sayer noted her team would show respect by delivering their best performance in the upcoming match against Australia. Other international athletes and officials did not publicly comment on the matter, with FIFA and the AFC issuing no statements.

Iran’s head coach, Marziyeh Jafari, and team captain Zahra Ghanbari avoided addressing the anthem incident or Khamenei’s death during media interactions. A media representative for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) interrupted Jafari’s potential remarks, redirecting focus to the match. This suggests internal caution within the team, potentially due to government pressure or fears of reprisals. Iranian journalist Raha Pourbakhsh reported that the team’s phones were monitored by the Islamic Republic, indicating concerns over surveillance.

The incident underscores the intersection of sports and politics in Iran, where athletes often navigate state control and societal repression. The team’s silence, while symbolic, reflects broader struggles for autonomy under a regime enforcing strict ideological policies. The ongoing conflict has also disrupted global sports, with Israel’s gymnastics federation suspending training amid Iranian retaliation. As the war escalates, the role of sports as a neutral space for international solidarity remains a fragile dynamic.

The Lionesses’ actions may serve as a symbolic act of resistance. While their silence represented a momentary act of defiance, the long-term impact of the regime’s instability on sports and civil society remains uncertain. As the conflict continues, the interplay between state power and individual agency—whether in sports or politics—will likely remain a focal point for observers.