09/03/2026
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09/03/2026
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CANBERRA, Mar 9: Australian federal police moved a group of Iranian athletes, who were in the country for a tournament, from their hotel "to a safe location" in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced. There, the athletes met with Burke as authorities finalized processing of their humanitarian visas, the minister told reporters in Brisbane hours later.
The move followed comments from President Donald Trump, who said Monday that he had urged Australia's prime minister to grant the players asylum rather than return them to Iran. Burke confirmed the operation but provided no further details on the athletes' circumstances or the specific tournament involved.
Australian officials emphasized that the swift action reflects the country's commitment to humanitarian obligations for those facing risks upon return home.
