Iran women’s football team kept under tight security in Kuala Lumpur

Among the most serious allegations are reports that wounded army personnel have been denied assistance by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), that some frontline units are operating with minimal ammunition, food and drinking water, and that attempts to mobilize reserve forces have faltered.

Tensions between army and Revolutionary Guards

One of the sharpest points of friction appears to involve medical support for wounded soldiers.

Sources said that regular army units are suffering significant casualties but that IRGC personnel have refused to transport injured army soldiers to hospitals despite having access to medical facilities.

According to the sources, Revolutionary Guards officials rejected repeated army requests for assistance, citing shortages of ambulances and blood supplies.

The refusals have deepened anger and resentment between personnel from the two forces, adding to long-standing institutional tensions between the regular army (Artesh) and the IRGC.

Frontline shortages

The reported tensions come alongside severe shortages affecting some frontline and field units of the Iranian army.

Sources described worsening logistical conditions that have left troops struggling with limited ammunition and inadequate basic supplies.

In one example cited by the sources, some units were issued only 20 bullets for every two Artesh soldiers, leaving troops with little capacity to respond to potential attacks.

Field units in several areas are also said to be operating without reliable access to drinking water or sufficient food supplies.

The harsh conditions and what some soldiers perceive as neglect by commanders have contributed to what sources described as group desertions, with soldiers leaving bases and seeking refuge in nearby towns.

Strain extends to IRGC units

The strain is not limited to the regular army, according to the sources.

Even within IRGC missile units – traditionally among the best resourced parts of Iran’s military – there have been reports of communications equipment failures and shortages of food and other basic supplies.

Despite these problems, the sources said the command structure appears to be prioritizing the delivery of technical components needed to keep missile systems operational, rather than sending additional food rations or individual equipment to personnel.

The accounts suggest commanders are focusing on maintaining strategic weapons capabilities while troops face deteriorating living conditions.

Reserve mobilization falters

Efforts to widen the manpower pool appear to have run into resistance as well.

Sources said attempts by the Revolutionary Guards to mobilize reserve forces earlier this week produced limited results.

Many of those summoned for service reportedly did not report to military centers. Instead, some individuals used the situation to leave their areas and assist family members in moving toward border regions in hopes of leaving the country.

In a letter signed by 46 senators, the lawmakers called the results of the Feb. 28 strike “horrific,” noting that most of those killed were girls between the ages of 7 and 12.

The senators also asked for a broader review of any US military actions that may have caused civilian harm during the opening phase of the conflict.

Reuters reported Wednesday that two people familiar with the matter said the strike—one of the deadliest incidents involving civilians in decades of US conflicts—may have resulted from the use of outdated intelligence in the targeting process.

The news agency had earlier reported that an internal US military review found American forces were likely responsible for the attack on the school in the southern city of Minab.

Video circulated online that experts say appears to show a US Tomahawk missile striking the area, though the exact sequence of events remains unclear.

The Pentagon has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, saying only that the incident remains under investigation.

According to archived copies of the school’s website reviewed by Reuters, the campus was located next to a compound operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, has said the strike killed 150 students, a figure that has not been independently verified.

The senators asked the Defense Department to clarify whether US forces carried out the strike, what steps had been taken to mitigate civilian harm and what role artificial intelligence tools may have played in the targeting process.

The letter was signed by every member of the Senate Democratic caucus except Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on state television.

“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” the minister said.

“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people,” he added.

The expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said more than 1,300 Iranian civilians have been killed since US and Israeli airstrikes began on February 28.

Iran were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with all three of their group matches scheduled to take place in the United States, two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

FIFA regulations say any team that withdraws from the tournament “no later than 30 days before the first match” will be fined at least 250,000 Swiss francs ($320,800).

The rules add that disciplinary sanctions may include expelling the member association from future FIFA competitions or replacing it with another association, with a decision to be taken by the FIFA Council or a relevant committee.

Iran had selected Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex as its base camp for the tournament, and preparations stretching back 18 months now face uncertainty, with potential economic consequences in Arizona.

Earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he had met US President Donald Trump, who told him the Iranian team would be welcome to compete in the tournament.

Trump had previously said "I really don't care" if Iran participated or not.

Despite the pressure, at least seven players managed to escape and seek safety in Australia following a series of events involving planning, outside help and a moment of chaos during the AFC Asian Cup held in Gold Coast.

Their situation became dangerous after players refused to sing the Islamic Republic’s national anthem during a match against South Korea. Soon afterward, Iran's state TV labeled the young athletes “wartime traitors”—a charge that in Iran can carry the death penalty.

Raha Pourbakhsh, an Iran International sports reporter who covered the tournament from London, said the threats quickly escalated.

While the girls faced the threat of persecution back home, defection was not an easy option either.

Iranian athletes—especially members of national teams—are required to submit substantial financial guarantees to the Ministry of Sports before being allowed to travel abroad, a measure aimed at preventing defections.

These guarantees may take the form of large cash deposits or property deeds, which can be confiscated if the athlete fails to return to Iran.

“For this trip, they dramatically increased the bond to 10 billion Tomans (almost $67,000). I received info from inside the camp that their families were being directly threatened,” Pourbakhsh said.

“Some players felt like they were hostages. They were told their families' safety depended on them returning to Iran after the matches,” she said.

The players suspected they were being monitored and avoided direct communication, believing their phones were likely tapped.

According to Pourbakhsh, security officials were embedded with the team to ensure the players remained under control.

“It was a brave move; I know at least three security officers from the IRGC were embedded with the team to control them,” she said.

However, the surveillance could not stop members of the team from leaving.

Raising the alarm

Pourbakhsh said she began alerting international media outlets after Iranian state television figures publicly called for punishment against the players.

“Western media doesn't follow state TV, so I clipped that video, translated it, and sent it to reporters at CNN, Reuters, and Tracy Holmes," who is veteran broadcaster with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The reporting quickly gained attention.

“Tracy Holmes interviewed the Australian Foreign Minister that same night about the threats occurring on Australian soil,” Pourbakhsh said.

As the situation escalated, Australian authorities became involved. According to Pourbakhsh, the Australian Federal Police were positioned in the team hotel lobby after concerns were raised.

Iran officials blocked from entering Australia

Iranian authorities also attempted to regain control of the situation by sending senior football officials to Australia.

According to Pourbakhsh, Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s Football Federation and vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, sought to travel to Australia as the crisis unfolded.

Australian authorities, however, denied him a visa due to his alleged ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Instead, another federation representative was sent to Australia to ensure the players returned to Iran following the tournament.

Chaos and escape

The turning point came after the team’s third match.

Confusion erupted among Iranian security handlers as several players attempted to slip away.

Video shared by activists on social media showed one Iranian security official frantically searching through the hotel stairwell while activists followed him, shouting that he was linked to the IRGC.

“You’re in Australia—you better run,” one activist can be heard shouting in the footage. “Get the F out of the country, IRGC terrorists.”

Meanwhile, several players were attempting to escape through the hotel car park.

At one point, a fire door that should have remained open was locked, creating further confusion among the handlers.

Amid the chaos, the players managed to reach safety and make contact with authorities.

Desperate scenes

Witnesses described emotional scenes as the team prepared to leave Australia.

Fans gathered outside the hotel with signs reading “Save Our Girls,” fearing the players would face punishment if forced to return to Iran.

According to witnesses, one player was dragged by her collar and shirt in an attempt to force her onto a team bus.

Others flashed SOS signals as they boarded, indicating they did not want to leave.

Before the team’s plane departed for the long journey back toward Iran, several players were seen making distress gestures toward supporters and cameras.

Pourbakhsh said many players felt compelled to return despite the danger.

Their families remained in Iran.

A new life ahead

Seven players ultimately remained in Australia and sought protection.

Their story has drawn sympathy around the world.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help them rebuild their lives in Australia.

The Brisbane Roar Football Club also publicly offered support.

“Like many Australians, everyone at Brisbane Roar FC has been watching the story of the Iran women's national football team players now here in Queensland with immense admiration,” the club wrote on X.

“These are elite footballers — passionate, talented women who love the game just as deeply as we do.”

The club extended a direct invitation to the players.

“To Fatemeh, Zahra, Zahra, Atefeh, Mona, and any of your teammates building a new life here in Australia: Brisbane is home to one of the country’s most passionate football communities, and the Roar family has a big heart.

“We’d be honoured to open our doors and offer you a place to train, play, and belong.

“No politics. No conditions. Just football, community, and a warm welcome.

“Queensland is your home now.”

Trump issued the warning in a post on Truth Social, saying any attempt by Iran to mine the narrow maritime passage would trigger a severe response.

“If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” he wrote.

“If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!”

He later said American forces have destroyed 10 inactive Iranian mine-laying boats and ships in recent hours, warning that additional strikes could follow.

CBS News earlier quoted US officials as saying that Iran may be preparing to deploy naval mines in the strategic waterway in an attempt to further disrupt shipping through the Persian Gulf. According to the officials, Tehran could use small boats capable of carrying two or three mines each to place them in the strait.

The warning comes as the United States continues to review options to protect maritime traffic in the region.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday the Pentagon is examining possible measures, including escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass.

“We are looking at a range of options to set the military conditions to be able to do that,” Gen. Dan Caine said during a briefing when asked about escorting ships.

He said officials are evaluating the risks and resources required for such an operation.

The White House also signaled that the administration is preparing additional steps to ensure the strait remains open.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration has already offered political risk insurance to tankers operating in the Persian Gulf and temporarily waived certain oil-related sanctions.

She added that Trump has also offered the US Navy to escort tankers if necessary, but confirmed that no ship has been escorted yet, days after the idea was first raised to reassure maritime trade companies.

“The President and his energy team are closely watching the markets, speaking with industry leaders, and the US military is drawing up additional options, following the President's directive to continue keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” Leavitt said.

Iran's Guards threaten commercial ships

Iranian officials have meanwhile doubled down on their own warnings over access to the strait.

Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval forces of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, said ships linked to what he called “aggressors” would not be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

“If you have doubts, come closer and test it,” Tangsiri wrote on X.

Earlier, the Revolutionary Guards said Arab or European countries that expel Israeli and US ambassadors from their territories would be granted full freedom of transit through the strait starting Tuesday.

US officials say the military campaign against Iran has already reduced Tehran’s ability to carry out attacks.

Gen. Caine said ballistic missile launches have dropped sharply since the start of Operation Epic Fury.

“Ballistic missile attacks continue to trend downwards, 90% from where they started, and one-way attack drones have decreased 83% since the beginning of the operation,” he said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States and Israel were “winning decisively” in the conflict and vowed the campaign would continue until its objectives are achieved.

The goals of Operation Epic Fury, he said, remain destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles, launchers and defense industrial base, degrading its naval capabilities and ensuring Tehran cannot obtain nuclear weapons.

“Our will is endless, but ultimately the president gets to determine the end state of those objectives,” Hegseth said.

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