SYDNEY: Australia banned visitors from Iran on Thursday (Mar 26), saying war in the Middle East increased the risk they would refuse to fly home once their short-term visas expired. "The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire," it said in a statement. The players were branded "traitors" at home after refusing to sing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match - a gesture seen as an act of defiance against the Islamic Republic.
Published at: 2026-03-25 23:40:14
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