Basketball Australia has cited player safety concerns for its decision to withdraw the men's national team from an upcoming World Cup qualifier in Iran.
Following the defeat of Kazakhstan that sealed their spot in next year's tournament, the Boomers had been due to travel to Tehran and meet Iran on Tuesday (AEDT).
Instead, the side will return to Australia and await instructions from FIBA as to whether the match will be rescheduled elsewhere.
"Basketball Australia have conducted a thorough risk assessment in conjunction with relevant authorities and as a result we will not be sending any teams into Iran at this time," a statement read.
A series of protests erupted in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was allegedly violently arrested by the country's Guidance Patrol in September for failing to wear her hijab properly. She died in custody three days after falling into a coma.
Currently, Iran is one of 19 countries to which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians not to travel.
"Protests continue around the country and there's been an increase in the number of foreign nationals arrested," DFAT's advice reads.
"Medical evacuation may be difficult. If you're in Iran, we recommend you leave. Airlines may cancel or reduce their operations to and from Iran at short notice."
A representative told AAP that Basketball Australia had informed FIBA of its safety concerns prior to the current round of qualifiers.
Basketball Australia said they would not have travelled to Iran regardless of whether they had defeated Kazakhstan to confirm their spot at the World Cup.
The decision to withdraw will not affect Australia's qualification for the World Cup, set to be held across Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines from August next year.
Australia have won all nine of their games on the road to the World Cup and are currently set to play Bahrain and Kazakhstan in February for the sixth round of qualifiers.
FIBA has been contacted for comment.
