Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, March 9, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Ongoing regional wars and repercussions
The ongoing US-Israel war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel, Iraq, Jordan and the Gulf countries that are home to US military interests. The attacks disrupted maritime and flight routes. The Iranian attacks prompted Egypt to call for establishing a joint Arab force to address the regional Iranian threats.
Developments after Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new supreme leader
Following developments as Iran’s Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the nation’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei. The appointment of Mojtaba, a mid-ranking cleric with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, came after Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on Feb. 28.
Israeli army escalation in Lebanon
The developments of the Israeli army escalation in Lebanon and the field and humanitarian repercussions of the displacement warnings to large areas in southern Lebanon and many neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Trump to address funding for war on Iran
US President Donald Trump to deliver remarks at the House Republicans' annual retreat. He is likely to address funding for his war on Iran, which continues to escalate across the region.
US secretary of state's remarks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deliver remarks at the US Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag Raising Ceremony at the State Department.
UN Security Council to hold briefing on Afghanistan
UN Security Council to hold briefing and consultations on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, also known as UNAMA.
Israeli ambassador to address reporters
Israeli Ambassador Danny Dannon to address reporters at the United Nations outside the Security Council chamber as his country continues to wage war on Iran.
Chancellor Merz attends CDU party meeting
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will attend a Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leadership meeting in Berlin following the Baden-Wuerttemberg state election. He will hold a press conference after the meeting and is expected to comment on domestic and international issues.
German defense minister to observe anti-drone exercise
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will visit an anti-drone defense unit in the southwestern state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where he will observe cooperation between military and police forces.
EU Council, Commission chiefs hold video conference with Middle East leaders
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will hold a video conference with Middle East leaders as regional tensions soar following a large-scale attack on Iran by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28.
EU Ambassadors' Conference starts in Brussels
The annual European Union Ambassadors Conference will be held in Brussels from March 9 to 13. The program includes speeches by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as a panel discussion featuring the Polish and French foreign ministers. The conference brings together more than 145 EU ambassadors and heads of EU delegations from around the world.
Reactions to joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks
Following European reactions to developments across Middle East after US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation.
Eurasian reactions to developments in Middle East
Reactions from Eurasian capitals will be followed amid growing tensions in the Middle East, caused by US-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent strikes by Tehran on regional countries, which have also affected some Eurasian nations, particularly Azerbaijan.
Developments amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war
Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv will be followed amid the four-year Russia-Ukraine war, peace efforts for which have been suspended due to growing tensions in the Middle East. Battlefield developments and the steps related to the continuation of US-mediated peace talks will be monitored.
Nepal elects new government
Nepal is set to choose its next government after the election commission is likely to declare the final results of Thursday's general elections. Rastriya Swatantra Party of former Katmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has won 117 seats out of total of 153 constituencies counted. Counting on remaining 11 seats is underway. A party, or a coalition, needs a minimum 138 seats to form a government.
Reactions to military conflict in Middle East
Monitoring reactions to widening military conflict in Middle East since the US and Israel attacked on Iran Feb. 28. Thousands of people from Asia have since been forced to return home from the region, while at least 10 were killed or missing.
Turkish president set to lead cabinet meeting
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair the Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.
SPECIAL REPORTS
China’s oil strategy faces test as Iranian supply risks grow
Report examining how potential disruptions to Iranian and Venezuelan oil exports could create mixed risks for China’s energy security and refining sector.
The story explores China’s heavy reliance on discounted crude from sanctioned suppliers, particularly Iran, which provides a significant share of imports used by independent refineries seeking to maintain profit margins. It assesses how disruptions due to Iran’s ongoing war with US and Israel could affect these refiners and analyzes the role of China’s large crude inventories, offshore storage and strategic reserves in cushioning short-term supply shocks.
The report also examines alternative supply options, including increased imports from Russia and other producers, as well as the broader risks linked to instability in Middle Eastern shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. It features expert commentary from Michal Bogusz, a China energy analyst at the Center for Eastern Studies; Matt Smith, lead oil analyst at energy analytics firm Kpler; and China crude analyst Tom Reed.
Bangladesh’s first post-Hasina parliament faces constitutional questions
Report examining constitutional uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s first post-Hasina parliament as lawmakers take competing oaths tied to rival visions of political reform.
The story lays out how the new parliament is opening this week amid disputes over the July Charter, a reform blueprint drafted after the 2024 uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. It explains the unusual situation in which opposition lawmakers have taken dual oaths as both members of parliament and members of a proposed Constitution Amendment Council, while the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party has refused to join the body.
The report also analyzes the broader constitutional implications and legal challenges, with comments from Sarwar Tushar, a senior leader of the National Citizen Party; Mohammad Shishir Manir, an advocate and member of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; and political analyst Asif Shahan.
