Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman
High-level US-Iran nuclear talks in the Omani capital Muscat, despite disagreements over details such as limiting the discussion to the nuclear issue and not addressing the issue of Iranian military capabilities. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, along with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi set to take part in the talks.
Restricted reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing border
The Israeli restrictions on the reopening of the Rafah crossing border between Gaza and Egypt, allowing only limited groups to cross in both directions since it was reopened on Monday.
French foreign minister's visit to Lebanon
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is expected to arrive in the Lebanese capital Beirut, as part of his regional trip, which included Syria and Iraq. He is expected to meet with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army Chief Rodolph Haykal to discuss preparations for the conference in support of the army, scheduled in Paris for March 5.
Canadian foreign minister travels to Denmark, Greenland
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand will visit Copenhagen and Nuuk between Feb. 5-7 to boost Arctic cooperation, open a new consulate in Nuuk, and meet Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. US President Donald Trump had sought control of Greenland over security concerns but dropped the plan after talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Germany's Merz visits Abu Dhabi
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold official talks in the UAE during the final day of his Gulf region tour. Merz is scheduled to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He will also visit the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company headquarters.
Turkish President Erdogan to attend Feb. 6 Earthquakes Commemoration Program
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the Feb. 6 Earthquakes Commemoration Program, as well as the collective opening ceremony for completed investment projects.
Türkiye's foreign minister to meet European commissioner for enlargement
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Ankara.
Epstein revelations-related developments across Europe
Statements and political developments in European nations after latest documents released in relation to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The US Justice Department recently released more than 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images related to Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by US President Donald Trump last November.
UN briefing
UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefing. The service reveals its agenda shortly before the briefing. Most pressing issues around the world, from conflicts to health, expected to be discussed.
Lavrov to meet OSCE chairman, secretary-general
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold talks with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis and Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the discussions will focus on ways to overcome “the current profound crisis within the OSCE.”
Trump to depart Washington, DC, for Mar-a-Lago
US President Trump will leave the White House for his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, where he will spend the weekend. He is likely to speak to reporters during the journey.
Trump is also scheduled to sign executive orders, in an Oval Office event currently listed as closed to press.
Uzbek president in Pakistan
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is in Pakistan on a state visit. The two sides have signed 28 pacts to deepen ties, as well as regional connectivity. He will address a business forum alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Cambodia hosts trilateral meeting
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam chairs Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam leaders' meeting in Cambodia capital Phnom Penh. The trilateral meeting aims to boost ties, including in trade and economy cooperation.
Australia, Indonesia sign treaty on common security
Indonesia and Australia signing Treaty on Common Security in Jakarta during a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Premier Anthony Albanese.
German foreign trade
Destatis to release monthly foreign trade data for December. In November, Germany posted a foreign trade surplus $15.5 billion. The country will also release industrial production data.
FACTBOX – US-Iran talks in Oman: Positions ahead of Friday meeting
Report outlining the positions of Washington and Tehran ahead of Friday’s talks in Oman’s capital Muscat.
The story outlines Washington’s insistence on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, its emphasis on non-military solutions while keeping the option of force open, and Tehran’s stance that talks focus solely on peaceful nuclear activities.
The report also details perspectives of regional countries on avoiding military escalation, and provides context on previous confrontations, including the June 2025 12-day-war between Iran and Israel.
EXPLAINER – Iran’s nuclear program: Where do things stand after US bombing?
Report examining the current state of Iran’s nuclear program following US strikes on its key sites during the Iran-Israel war in June 2025, as negotiations with Washington are set to resume in Oman.
The story provides an overview of the damage to facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, ongoing reconstruction efforts, and uncertainty over enriched uranium. It also details Iran’s insistence that nuclear talks focus solely on enrichment, the limits of IAEA oversight after wartime disruptions, and Tehran’s use of its nuclear program as leverage in upcoming negotiations.
The report includes comments from Reza Sadr al-Hosseini, West Asia affairs expert, Kiarosh Hatami, a Tehran-based strategic affairs analyst, and Ali Ahmadi, an executive fellow at the Geneva Center for Security Policy.
FACTBOX – Iran’s military capacity: Manpower, missiles and defense posture
Report examining Iran’s military strength amid rising tensions with the US, highlighting its personnel, weaponry and strategic posture.
The story outlines Iran’s active forces, including about 610,000 troops across the army, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, navy, air force and paramilitary units, alongside its missile and drone arsenal.
The report also assesses Iran’s military spending, key weapons systems and capabilities in conventional and missile warfare, providing an overview of its strengths and limitations.
Can Latin America stand together against US?
Report examining whether Latin American countries could present a united front against the Trump administration amid military threats, economic pressure and political interference following the US intervention in Venezuela.
The story analyzes divisions within the regional countries, outlining historical, political, and economic factors driving their fragmented posture. It shows the historical shift of governments from the left-leaning ‘Pink Tide’ to today’s right-leaning ‘Blue Wave’ leaders, while also examining economic dependencies on the US and the role of China’s growing influence in the region.
The report includes insights from US historian Alan McPherson of Temple University, Venezuelan-American historian Miguel Tinker Salas of Pomona College, and Cuban-American political scientist Arturo Lopez Levy.
Thailand heads to elections under shadow of conflict and uncertainty
Report on Thailand’s upcoming general elections on Feb. 8, which are being held amid ongoing political instability and renewed tensions along the border with Cambodia.
The story presents an overview of the main political forces and contenders, while also listing the key issues likely to shape voters’ decisions and expected outcomes.
The report also outlines the election process and the simultaneous constitutional referendum, and includes insights from experts Pavin Chachavalpongpun of Kyoto University, Mark Cogan of Kansai Gaidai University, and Wanwichit Boonprong of Rangsit University.
VIDEO – Report examining whether Latin American countries can present a united front against the US, featuring interviews with historians Alan McPherson and Miguel Tinker Salas and political scientist Arturo Lopez Levy.
