Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Regional conflict following US-Israeli strikes on Iran
Developments following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks will be closely monitored. Attention will focus on Iranian strikes against Israel and US military interests in Iraq and Gulf countries, where defenses have intercepted drones and missiles. The conflict’s impact on global markets, including stocks, oil and gold prices, shipping routes, and land crossings and maritime straits, will also be tracked, along with material and human losses in Arab countries and among American, Israeli and Iranian forces.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon, clashes with Hezbollah
Developments related to Israeli strikes and clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon will be followed, as well as the humanitarian and field consequences of evacuation warnings issued for large areas in southern Lebanon and several neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs, and the resulting displacement of residents.
Trump to visit Kentucky companies
President Donald Trump will visit Thermo Fisher Scientific before delivering remarks at Verst Logistics in Kentucky. Desk to monitor the president’s remarks during the events and in transit, particularly regarding the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.
Halkbank hearing in New York
Attorneys representing the US Department of Justice and Turkish state lender Halkbank will appear in federal court in the Southern District of New York to answer questions about a proposed deferred prosecution agreement. The desk will monitor developments from the hearing.
UN Security Council emergency meeting on Lebanon
The UN Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on the situation in Lebanon amid ongoing regional hostilities. UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and UN relief chief Tom Fletcher are expected to brief the council.
Security Council vote on draft resolutions
The UN Security Council will vote on two draft resolutions, one submitted by Bahrain and another by Russia. Bahrain’s resolution condemns Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan, while the Russian draft condemns hostilities without naming any country.
Dutch prime minister to meet French president in Paris
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten will meet French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris ahead of the European Council summit later this month. Talks during a working lunch are expected to focus on the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and security and defense cooperation between the Netherlands and France.
European Parliament debate on US-Israeli attacks on Iran
The European Council and the European Commission will deliver statements during a European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg on the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran since Feb. 28 and their consequences. Members of the European Parliament will then hold a debate.
European reactions to Iran strikes
European reactions to the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks will be monitored, as tensions rise in the Middle East following the attacks launched while Washington and Tehran were engaged in Oman-mediated nuclear talks.
Ministerial meeting of International Organization for the Russian Language
The first ministerial meeting of the International Organization for the Russian Language will take place in Moscow. Foreign ministers of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are expected to attend. The gathering will focus on organizational matters, including the election of a secretary-general.
European Council president to visit Azerbaijan
European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Azerbaijan’s capital Baku and meet Azerbaijani officials. Talks are expected to focus on strengthening energy cooperation and the situation in the Middle East.
Eurasian reactions to Middle East tensions
Reactions from Eurasian capitals will be monitored amid growing regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region. Developments may also affect several Eurasian countries, particularly Azerbaijan.
Developments in Russia-Ukraine war
Statements and developments from Moscow and Kyiv will be tracked as the war enters its fourth year. Peace efforts have slowed amid escalating Middle East tensions. Battlefield developments and potential steps related to US-mediated peace talks will also be monitored.
China’s legislature closes ‘Two Sessions’ meetings
China’s 14th National People’s Congress will conclude its annual meetings under the “Two Sessions” framework with a vote on the government work report, the 15th Five-Year Plan and other legislative bills.
South Korean president to host Ghanaian counterpart
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will host Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to discuss cooperation in trade, maritime security, the defense industry and other sectors.
Turkish president to attend party group meeting
Turkish President and Justice and Development (AK Party) Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend his party’s parliamentary group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara.
THE ECONOMY
US inflation data
The US will release consumer price index data for February. Annual inflation eased to 2.4% in January, continuing its gradual move toward the Fed’s target, but markets expect a slight increase in February.
German inflation data
Destatis will release final inflation data for February. Annual inflation fell to 1.9% in January, its lowest level since mid-2021.
Türkiye retail sales
TurkStat will release January retail sales data. Retail sales volume in Türkiye rose 1.7% month-on-month in December 2025.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Energy shock fears return to Europe as Iran war escalates
Report examining how the escalating US-Israel war with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are raising fears of a new energy shock in Europe.
The story explores how the conflict has rattled global energy markets, with oil and European gas prices rising as shipping through the strategic waterway slows and Gulf energy infrastructure comes under threat. It explains how the crisis is exposing Europe’s continued vulnerability to supply disruptions despite efforts to diversify energy sources.
The report also analyzes the broader economic and geopolitical implications, including a possible boost to Russian revenues, with insights from European lawmakers Yvan Verougstraete and Michael Bloss, energy specialist Kong Chyong of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, and Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
Water infrastructure emerges as a new casualty of global conflicts
Report examining how armed conflicts are increasingly putting critical water infrastructure and resources at risk around the world.
The story traces recent attacks on water desalination facilities in Iran and Bahrain during the ongoing Middle East conflict, highlighting how water systems are becoming casualties of modern warfare. It assesses the humanitarian, environmental and economic implications of such incidents in regions already facing water scarcity.
The report also analyzes the broader global trend of rising water-related violence, featuring data and expert commentary from Mohammed Mahmoud of the UN University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, and David Micheli of the Center for Strategic and International Studies on the growing risks to water security in conflict zones.
INTERVIEW – Ramadan reflection: ‘I feel more British since becoming a Muslim’
Interview with a British convert to Islam on how embracing the faith has transformed his life, including strengthening his sense of national identity.
The story traces the journey of Edward Rowe, a Londoner whose path to Islam unfolded over several years of intellectual exploration, academic study and personal experiences. It also explores how his interest in Islamic civilization and his connection to Türkiye shaped his spiritual transformation.
The interview also examines how Rowe navigates life as a British Muslim, reflecting on cultural identity, community and rising social tensions in the UK.
