Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, March 13, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

US-Israeli war on Iran enters day 14

Developments on the 14th day of the US-Israeli war on Iran will be closely followed, alongside Tehran’s response. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed after it was blocked in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that began on Feb. 28.

UN secretary-general to visit Lebanon

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Lebanon, where he is scheduled to meet with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri amid escalating Israeli attacks on the country.

European reactions to US-Israeli strikes on Iran

European reactions and statements will be monitored following the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes, which came while Washington and Tehran had been engaged in Oman-mediated nuclear talks.

Zelenskyy, Macron to meet in Paris

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris. The leaders are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine, continued French and European support for Kyiv and efforts to increase pressure on Russia, including measures targeting Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet.

Merz to meet with Norwegian prime minister

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on the second and final day of his visit to Norway. Discussions are expected to focus on European foreign and security policy, NATO cooperation and joint space exploration efforts.

UN briefing in Geneva

The UN Information Service will hold its biweekly press briefing in Geneva. The agenda will be released shortly before the session, with discussions expected to cover major global issues, from conflicts to health.

Trump to sign executive orders

President Donald Trump is expected to sign executive orders before greeting National Finals Rodeo winners. The desk will monitor the event for any remarks on the US-Israeli war on Iran. The signing is currently listed as closed press, but coverage will adjust if access changes.

Pentagon briefing on Iran war

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine will brief reporters on the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Vance to visit North Carolina

Vice President JD Vance will visit Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where he is expected to deliver remarks. The desk will monitor his speech for comments related to the war with Iran.

UN General Assembly president to brief reporters

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock will brief reporters at the United Nations. Her remarks will be monitored for comments on the expanding Middle East conflict.

Developments around Zelenskyy-Macron meeting

Developments in Kyiv will be monitored as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The leaders are expected to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly defense-related issues.

Eurasian reactions to Middle East tensions

Reactions from Eurasian capitals will be tracked amid rising tensions following US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the region. The developments have also affected several Eurasian countries, particularly Azerbaijan.

Middle East conflict affects Asian energy supplies

Developments and statements will be monitored as the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran disrupts energy supplies to Asian countries. The situation has also affected Asian nationals in the Middle East and in the waters around the Strait of Hormuz.

Nepal moves toward forming new government

Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party is expected to announce the formation of a new government following its unprecedented victory in general elections. The party secured 182 seats in the 275-seat parliament, in the first election since the previous elected government was ousted last year.

THE ECONOMY

US GDP

US to release the second estimate of fourth-quarter gross domestic product. The initial reading showed the economy growing at an annualized rate of 3.3%, indicating stronger-than-expected resilience.

German wholesale prices

Destatis will release February wholesale price index data. Wholesale prices fell 2.7% year-on-year in January, signaling easing inflationary pressure at early stages of the supply chain.

UK GDP

UK’s Office for National Statistics will release monthly GDP figures for January. The British economy grew 0.1% in December amid continued concerns about high interest rates.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Asian powers tread carefully as Iran war raises energy and trade risks

Report examining how Asian nations are navigating the escalating US-Israel war with Iran while seeking to protect energy supplies and maritime trade routes.

The story explores how many Asian governments have adopted a cautious diplomatic tone in response to the conflict, mindful of Iran’s influence over key shipping lanes and the potential disruption of oil and gas flows vital to energy-importing economies across the region.

The report also analyzes the economic and strategic calculations shaping these responses, featuring comments from experts including Nancy Snow, advisor to the International Security Industry Council Japan; political analyst Andrea Ghiselli; and Japanese academic Kazuto Suzuki.

Qatar LNG outage raises prospect of global gas market shake-up

Report examining how disruptions to Qatar’s LNG production due to the US-Israel war with Iran is tightening global gas markets and could redirect demand toward rival exporters.

The story explores how the shutdown of key QatarEnergy facilities and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns about the security of global LNG supply. It assesses how the loss of a supplier that accounts for roughly 20% of global LNG exports could push prices higher and force buyers in Europe and Asia to compete for alternative cargoes.

The report also analyzes which exporters stand to benefit from the disruption, particularly producers in the US and Australia, with comments from Ed Cox of Independent Commodity Intelligence Services and Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Marquee.

Ghana’s cocoa sector under strain as prices fall and political debate grows

Report examining mounting pressure on Ghana’s cocoa sector as falling global prices, financial challenges and political debate converge around one of the country’s most important export industries.

The story explores how a nearly 30% drop in cocoa prices and a mid-season cut to producer payments have unsettled farmers and triggered protests in rural communities that depend heavily on the crop for their livelihoods. It assesses how the downturn is affecting Ghana’s tightly managed cocoa system led by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), which regulates marketing and exports.

The report also analyzes the broader economic and political implications, with insights from farmers, policymakers and industry representatives on the future of Ghana’s cocoa economy.