Regional Conflict
Iraq formally requests World Cup playoff postponement amid escalating travel chaos
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In the latest development amid Middle East conflict disruptions first reported earlier this week, Iraq has formally asked FIFA to postpone its March 31 intercontinental World Cup playoff in Monterrey, Mexico, rejecting a hazardous 25-hour road journey proposed by the governing body. With airspace closed until at least April 1, much of the squad remains stranded in Baghdad, prompting coach Graham Arnold to push for a delay to assemble a full team for a potential first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
Egypt and Russia discussed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution on Wednesday as part of urgent diplomatic efforts to contain the rapidly accelerating conflict in the Middle East. In a telephone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned of the dangerous repercussions of continued violence. He emphasised the need for intensified coordination to prevent the region from sliding into wider confrontations.