Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Regional conflict and repercussions

The ongoing regional war involving the US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s response against Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries amid rising human and material losses, in addition to disruptions in global oil and financial markets. More escalation is expected as a US Navy warship, believed to be carrying thousands of Marines and sailors, is nearing the Strait of Malacca en route to the Middle East.

Israel’s ground offensive and airstrikes against Lebanon

The developments after the Israeli defense minister said that the military had begun a ground offensive in Lebanon amid relentless airstrikes alongside Hezbollah’s military operations against Israeli forces advancing in southern Lebanon, as regional escalation continues to expand. The Israeli attacks have so far killed hundreds of people and displaced over a million.

Reactions related to joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks

Global reactions and statements on developments across the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which started on Feb. 28 while talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing.

NATO chief visits Norway

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte travels to Oslo, where he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and observe a Norwegian-led exercise with participation from allies and partners.

German chancellor addresses lawmakers

Chancellor Friedrich Merz holds a speech in parliament ahead of the upcoming EU leaders summit to outline Berlin's policy priorities. He is expected to comment on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, support for Ukraine, European defense policy, and EU reform efforts to strengthen the bloc's competitiveness.

French foreign minister visits Berlin

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visits Berlin, where he is participating in a German Cabinet session to discuss international security developments, EU defense, and foreign policy matters.

EU leaders welcome UN chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa host UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in Brussels.

UN maritime agency holds extraordinary session on Middle East

The International Maritime Organization holds an extraordinary session of its Council in London “to address the impacts on shipping and seafarers of the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.”

World Health Organization briefing

The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, along with other experts, holds press briefing in Geneva on global health issues.

Trump's agenda

US President Donald Trump to travel to Dover, Delaware, to participate in a dignified transfer ceremony of the remains of US servicemembers killed during the US war with Iran. The event is currently listed as closed press, possible remarks by Trump at departure, and while on board Air Force One.

UN Security Council session on Syria

UN Security Council expected to hold session on political and humanitarian developments in Syria, with Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone, and a representative from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expected to brief the council.

Closed-door briefing by US attorney general and deputy attorney general

US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to provide a closed-door briefing for members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Chairman James Comer announced Tuesday that Bondi has been issued a subpoena to appear for a deposition on April 14 as part of the committee's investigation into late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee to receive briefing on Middle East

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee to receive briefing behind closed doors on the current situation in the Middle East. Briefers include Donald Armin Blome, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, State Department; and Dr. Steve Galpern, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Analysis, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, State Department. The session is closed to press, with possible remarks from lawmakers.

Mullin to appear before Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, President Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, will appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for a confirmation hearing.

Pentagon officials to appear before House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee

Pentagon special operations officials to appear before the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. Possible remarks on the situation in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on the war on Iran.

US hearing regarding Venezuela

US House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight will hold a hearing to examine the legal basis for recent US actions involving Venezuela, including efforts to arrest former President Nicolas Maduro and US airstrikes on drug-smuggling vessels.

United Nations press briefing

The UN to hold its regular press briefing.

Putin to take part in events on occasion of Russia’s annexation of Crimea

Russian President Vladimir Putin to take part in events on the occasion of Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. As part of the occasion, Putin is scheduled to take part in a videoconference meeting with government members and an opening ceremony for several facilities.

Reactions to Ukrainian conflict

Reactions to the ongoing developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where new efforts are reportedly underway to organize another round of US-mediated peace talks.

Developments as Mideast conflict continues to affect energy markets

Developments and statements as nations implement extra measures to ward off impact on economy by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which hit energy supplies worldwide.

Developments amid claims of Pakistani strike on health facility in Afghanistan

Developments and statements amid claims by the Afghan government that Pakistan struck a drug de-addiction facility in Kabul, leaving 408 people dead. Islamabad has rejected accusations, claiming it hit military infrastructure.

China’s Xi likely to host Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan

China’s President Xi Jinping likely to host Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, national leader and former president of Turkmenistan. Berdimuhamedov is on three-day visit to China.

THE ECONOMY

US interest rate

The Federal Reserve to announce its interest rate decision. In its last meeting, the Fed kept the policy rate constant at 3.5% to 3.75% range. The markets expect no change in the rate for this meeting.

US producer prices

US to announce monthly producer price index data for February. In January, the producer prices for final demand rose 0.3%, indicating persistent inflationary pressures at the wholesale level.

US factory orders

US to announce monthly factory orders data for January. In the previous month, the factory orders were down 0.7% on a monthly basis, following two months of consecutive gains.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Israeli violence in West Bank surges as Iran war shifts global focus

Report examining a rise in Israeli settler and security forces violence in the occupied West Bank as attention shifts to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.

The story explains how Palestinian communities are facing increased attacks, land seizures and the establishment of new Israeli outposts during the conflict, with several people killed and dozens of families displaced. It assesses how the diversion of international focus has contributed to intensified illegal settlement activity and tighter Israeli restrictions on Palestinian movement.

The report also analyzes the broader political and humanitarian implications, featuring insights from Max Rodenbeck of the International Crisis Group, Palestinian analyst Mohamad Alqeeq, and data from Israeli human rights group B’Tselem.

FACTBOX – Asia adopts emergency measures as Iran war disrupts energy supply

Report compiling measures taken by Asian countries to manage the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war and disruptions to global supply.

The story lists country-specific responses, including austerity measures and school closures in Bangladesh and Pakistan, energy subsidies and vouchers in South Korea, fuel rationing and public transport restrictions in India, and other similar steps in countries across the region.

The report also highlights how governments are attempting to cushion economic impact and maintain essential services amid rising energy costs.