Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠Indian prime minister begins visit to Israel

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday, during which he will deliver a speech at the Knesset. A series of agreements is expected, with defense and AI emerging as the centerpiece.

US-Iran tensions ahead of anticipated talks

Tensions remain high amid the US military buildup in the Middle East and the region, raising the possibility of a war with Iran, as the American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford docked at the Greek island of Crete ahead of expected US-Iranian talks in Geneva on Thursday.

Lebanon ceasefire mechanism committee meets

The supervisory committee overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Israel in Lebanon will meet on Wednesday at the UNIFIL headquarters in the border town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon.

President Erdogan to address his party

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the Justice and Development (AK) party's group meeting, where he is expected to address internal and regional issues.

Meeting on US sanctions targeting EU citizens

The European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee meets former Commissioner Thierry Breton in Brussels over US sanctions targeting EU citizens. Frenchman Thierry Breton and others were sanctioned by the White House, barring them from entering the US or using American tech and payment services.

German defense chief faces questioning session

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius answers questions from lawmakers during a government questioning session in the federal parliament, Bundestag.

Trump to attend closed-door policy discussions, meeting with transportation chief

US President Donald Trump will attend policy meetings and receive Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at the White House. All events are currently scheduled to be closed to journalists.

US Supreme Court may rule on Louisiana racial gerrymandering case

The US Supreme Court will convene for a public session. It may announce a ruling on a case challenging a revised congressional map in the state of Louisiana, testing how far states can consider race in drawing voting districts and potentially reshaping enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.

New Mexico trial against Meta over child exploitation

The state of New Mexico will take US social media giant Meta to court, accusing it of profiting from and enabling the sexual exploitation of children on its Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms.

US secretary of state to meet with Caribbean leaders in regional tour

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will pay a visit to the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis during a four-day summit of the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM) amid escalating US pressure on Cuba. Bilateral and group talks are expected to focus on regional security and stability, trade and economic growth, according to reports.

Russian Premier Mikhail Mishustin presents government report to parliament

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will deliver the government's report for 2025 to the lower house, or the State Duma.

Developments concerning another round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Developments concerning another round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, which are expected to be held in the coming weeks. On Monday, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's presidential office, stated that the next round of talks could take place on Feb. 26-27. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later stated that the timing and location have yet to be agreed upon.

German Chancellor Merz begins China trip

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz begins his maiden official trip to China, where he will hold talks with President Xi Jinping as well as Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. He will also attend a meeting of German-Chinese businesses.

Fresh tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border

Border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have flared up again, triggering relations to deteriorate. Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan over the weekend killed many people, with Kabul saying they were civilians, while Islamabad says they targeted terrorist sites.

THE ECONOMY

German GDP

Germany’s Destatis will share GDP figures for the last quarter of 2025. It posted a slight decline in the third quarter.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Merz in China: What’s on the agenda and why it matters

Report examining the stakes surrounding German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to China, where he is set to meet President Xi Jinping to discuss shifting global dynamics, tariff tensions and bilateral economic ties.

The story explores how the visit comes at a pivotal moment in German foreign policy, as Berlin recalibrates its China strategy in response to US President Donald Trump’s disruptive policies while seeking to reduce economic vulnerabilities and preserve dialogue with Beijing.

The report includes insights from analyst Ewald Koenig and China expert Eberhard Sandschneider on how the trip reflects a shift from a value-driven approach toward a more pragmatic policy centered on security and economic interests.

Modi in Israel: What’s on the agenda and why it matters

Report examining the political and strategic significance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Israel, his first since 2017, amid ongoing regional tensions.

The story outlines the agenda for Modi’s meetings with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on expanding cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced technology. It explores how the visit reflects New Delhi’s growing strategic alignment with Israel while also assessing discussions linked to Gaza, Iran-related security concerns, and Netanyahu’s proposed “hexagon of alliances” regional bloc.

The report includes analysis from experts, including Muddassir Quamar of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Alon Liel, a former Israeli diplomat, and Ryan Bohl, a senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at the RANE Network, on the geopolitical implications of closer India-Israel ties and the broader regional context shaping the visit.

EXPLAINER - Black sands and the new scramble for critical minerals

Report examining how mineral-rich coastal black sands are gaining strategic importance as countries seek alternative sources of critical minerals essential for high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy and defense industries.

The story identifies the materials found in these heavy-mineral sands, their use across civilian and military industries, and major deposits worldwide.

The report also draws on geological research, industry data and environmental assessments to examine supply chain diversification, processing challenges and sustainability concerns shaping the future of black sand development.