Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠Regional reactions to Israeli Knesset approval of Palestinian prisoners’ death penalty law

Regional reactions to Israeli Knesset approval of Palestinian prisoners’ death penalty law, with growing concern over its implications for human rights and regional stability.

US-Israeli war on Iran, regional repercussions

The US-Israeli war on Iran continued, with sustained airstrikes on nuclear and military infrastructure and growing regional spillover, as well as Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Israel and US-linked Gulf sites.

As the military buildup continues, there are growing concerns about further escalation, including potential US ground operations and the targeting of Iran's oil-rich Kharg Island.

Syrian president arrives in UK on last day of his European tour

The second and final day of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's European tour, which began Monday in Germany and ends Tuesday in the UK, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and increase cooperation.

Al-Sharaa is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and attend a Chatham House event. During the visit, the UK government is expected to announce a new scheme to provide export finance to British companies seeking to trade with Syria.

Operation Epic Fury

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine will hold a news conference at the Pentagon for the latest update on ongoing strikes against Iran.

US-Venezuela meeting

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado in a closed-door meeting at the Department of State.

US Security Council meeting

The UN Security Council will discuss the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.

Trump attends Chicago Opening Night

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will attend the Chicago Opening Night at the Kennedy Center. The president may speak to reporters as he enters the event.

Europe's reaction to the war in Middle East

Europe's reactions to developments in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, while talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program were still ongoing.

UNRWA briefing

The press briefing by the outgoing UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini will be held in Geneva.

UN briefing

The UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefings. The Service announces its agenda shortly before the briefing, and the focus will be on that agenda. However, the most pressing issues facing the world, ranging from conflicts to health, will be discussed.

UK premier holds emergency meeting on Iran war

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will preside over an emergency Cabinet meeting, also known as a COBRA meeting, on the Iran war. It follows his Monday roundtable with energy executives, as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted regional energy flows, contributing to global shortages and price pressures.

⁠Lavrov attends Russian International Affairs Council

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend a meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council to review the progress in 2025 and outline priorities for 2026.

Myanmar's parliament elects new president

Newly elected lawmakers, mostly backed by the Myanmar junta, will elect a new president from three nominees, including former military chief Min Aung Hlaing, who is expected to win the top slot. Min has ruled Myanmar since 2021, when he led a coup that deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government.

Top Chinese diplomat hosts Pakistani counterpart

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosts Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Beijing amid Islamabad's mediatory efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East. Many Asian nations are reeling under pressure amid energy shortages as oil supplies from Gulf nations dry up.

Türkiye-Palestine's diplomatic meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with Hussein al‑Sheikh, vice president of the State of Palestine, in Ankara.

Turkish president to attend ceremony

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the Strong Türkiye in Communication with 5G Ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

THE ECONOMY

UK’s GDP

The UK will release GDP figures for the last quarter of 2025. The British economy has expanded by 1% year-on-year in the third quarter.

Germany’s retail sales

Germany's Destatis will release retail sales figures for February, with a similar figure expected after an increase of 1.2% in January. The country will release import prices and unemployment statistics.

US House Prices

The US will release the house price index for January. Prices hiked by 1.8% in December 2025.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER – Iran’s oil reserves, production and exports at a glance

Report outlining the scale and strategic importance of Iran’s oil sector as President Donald Trump signals US intent to take over the country’s energy resources.

The story presents a clear snapshot of Iran’s oil industry – one of the largest globally – detailing its vast proven reserves, production capacity and key export destinations.

The report also explains how oil revenues underpin the country’s economy and geopolitical leverage, while highlighting the role of critical infrastructure such as Kharg Island in facilitating exports to global markets.

In Peru’s Amazon, villages manage fragile contact with isolated tribes

Report on how Indigenous protection agents in Peru’s Amazon are managing fragile contact with the isolated Mashco Piro tribe as their encounters with nearby villages become increasingly frequent.

The story examines the delicate efforts by Indigenous agents and local communities in the Madre de Dios region to prevent violence while safeguarding both isolated tribes and settled villages. It explains why the Mashco Piro are appearing more often near communities such as Diamante, including seasonal migration for food and growing pressures from logging, mining and other incursions into the forest.

The report also explores the broader risks surrounding increased contact with isolated tribes, including historical trauma, disease exposure and territorial conflicts, featuring insights from Indigenous leaders and Glenn Shepard, a medical anthropologist who has worked with Indigenous groups for over 30 years.