Two members of Iran's women's soccer team, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, have confirmed that their decision not to sing the national anthem during the Women’s Asian Cup in March was a form of protest against the Iranian government. The players, who later sought asylum in Australia, gave their first public interview after leaving Iran, which was broadcast on Australia’s "60 Minutes" program. Ramezanisadeh, 34, explained through an interpreter that her silence was a way to stand with the people of Iran and express concern over the risks of protesting in the country. She said no one should be killed for speaking out, and that her decision, though difficult, brought her a sense of peace. The incident occurred before the team’s opening match against South Korea on March 2, when the Iranian national anthem was played. The players remained silent, an act that sparked controversy in Iran. Some viewed it as a form of resistance against the government, while others believed it was a gesture of mourning following recent attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, which began on February 28. The team did not publicly explain the silence at the time. Demonstrators in Australia later called for the players to be granted asylum, and the two women eventually left the country on March 10. Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh said their silence was a protest against the Iranian government’s harsh crackdown on nationwide demonstrations against its theocratic rule. Ramezanisadeh described the potential consequences of her actions, saying the silence "could have meant any form of torture" for her. Pasandideh said her silence was meant to support those killed in the protests. Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke stated that the players had not been offered asylum at the time and that the silence was a "volcanic moment" of significance. The situation escalated when U.S. President Donald Trump called for the team to be granted asylum and spoke directly with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the issue. Albanese confirmed that four players and a manager had accepted humanitarian visas at the time. Eventually, seven members of the team accepted asylum offers, but most later changed their minds, except for Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh. Both women now play for the Wynnum Wolves semi-professional soccer team in Brisbane and became Australian citizens in August. Despite pressure from Iranian authorities, Ramezanisadeh has decided not to return, saying she cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others. Pasandideh expressed a hope to return to Iran one day, but only when the political situation improves. Both women have not been in contact with their families in Iran recently, but they understand that no one has been punished for their choices.