Australia to grant visa to five Iranian women soccer players after Trump appeal

Australia on Tuesday agreed to provide visas to five Iranian women's soccer players to stay in the country, after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Canberra not to send them back to Tehran due to concerns over their safety.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told reporters the other members of the team were welcome to stay back in Australia. The team is in Australia for the Asian Cup tournament.

Trump said on Monday he had spoken to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the Iran women's soccer team after reports that five players had sought asylum in Australia.

-Renju Jose/Reuters