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Iranian Women’s Soccer Team Silent Amid Khamenei Tensions

3/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Iranian women's national soccer team remained silent during the national anthem at the opening Women's Asian Cup match, amid tensions after U.S.-Israeli strikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran lost the match 3-0 to South Korea, with only three shots while South Korea had 32.
Coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the military situation, saying the team should focus on the tournament.

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Story summary

The Iranian women's national soccer team remained silent during the national anthem at the opening Women's Asian Cup match, amid tensions after U.S.-Israeli strikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran lost the match 3-0 to South Korea, with only three shots while South Korea had 32.
Coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the military situation, saying the team should focus on the tournament.