The team’s tournament began days after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, intensifying tensions around any perceived sign of dissent. Iran were knocked out on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to the Philippines. Anti-regime fans in the stands waved the pre-1979 Iranian flag and booed the anthem, while rights advocates warned the players could face repercussions on returning home. Concerns deepened after the team sang the anthem before a later match, prompting speculation from supporters and activists that they may have been pressured to do so.