Iran's women's team head coach Marziyeh Jafari told reporters on Sunday "we shouldn't be talking about these issues" when questioned about the killing of Supreme leader Ali Khamenei, as she prepares her team for the opening match of the Asian Cup.
Israel strikes Tehran: Latest developments in Iran war
Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran on Sunday and Iran responded with more missile barrages, a day after the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei pitched the Middle East and the global economy into deepening uncertainty.
The Asian Football Confederation, who are the organizers of the tournament, said it is monitoring the situation in the Middle East and will offer the players support and assistance when needed.
Iran will play South Korea on Monday (March 2) in Australia and captain Zahri Ghanbari told reporters the squad's sole focus is on qualifying for the World Cup.
"The mentality of all our players and our team is that God willing, we can qualify from our group and our whole focus is that God willing, we can go to the World Cup and be able to achieve great success," she said.
READ: Iran prepare for Women's Asian Cup as bombs drop on homeland
Opponents South Korea also completed a training session in front of the media. Captain Yoojin Ko is playing in her first major tournament and said all her focus is on helping the team.
Australia and the Philippines make up the rest of the group with Australia winning their opening match 1-0 on Sunday. The top two from the group qualify automatically for the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup and with it earn a place in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
(Production: Simon Ormiston)