STORY: Iran's women's national soccer team saluted and sang along to their national anthem on Thursday (March 5) ahead of their clash against Australia, after having stayed silent during their opening group game.

Iran are playing in the Asian Cup as the military conflict escalates back home after the United States and Israel launched air strikes over the weekend, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Ahead of their 4-0 defeat against Australia, Iran forward Sara Didar fought back tears and spoke about the war while coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players were doing their best to focus on the tournament despite concern for their families back home.

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Iran players salute and sing anthem ahead of Asia Cup clash with Australia

VIDEO SHOWS: IRAN PLAYERS SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AHEAD OF MATCH AGAINST AUSTRALIA

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT.

SHOWS: GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA (MARCH 5, 2026) (AFC - see restrictions before use)

1. IRAN AND AUSTRALIA PLAYERS LINE UP FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM

2. IRAN CAPTAIN ZAHRA GHANBARI

3. VARIOUS OF IRAN PLAYERS SALUTING DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM

4. IRAN'S COACHING TEAM INCLUDING COACH MARIZIYEH JAFRI (SECOND FROM LEFT) SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM WITH RIGHT HANDS PLACED OVER THEIR HEARTS

5. MORE OF PLAYERS DURING ANTHEM

6. IRAN'S COACHING TEAM WHILE SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM

7. CAPTAIN GHANBARI DURING ANTHEM

8. VARIOUS OF PLAYERS LINED UP FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM