Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

US-Iran tensions persist despite talks

Regional tensions between Washington and Tehran continue despite ongoing negotiations. Reports indicate increased US military deployments and Israeli preparations for a possible strike on Iran’s missile systems.

Reactions following 1st ‘Board of Peace’ meeting

Officials continue to react to the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” in Washington, which aims to mobilize funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and explore the creation of an international stabilization force.

Israel tightens restrictions on Palestinians for 1st Friday of Ramadan

Israeli forces tightened restrictions at military checkpoints between the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem as Palestinian worshippers headed to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan.

Trump to host governors at White House

President Donald Trump will host state governors for a working breakfast at the White House during the National Governors Association’s winter meeting in Washington. Governors from all 50 states and US territories, including American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, and the commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico, are attending.

Rubio to meet UK foreign secretary

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at the State Department.

US Supreme Court to issue opinions

The US Supreme Court is expected to release one or more opinions in argued cases this term, including cases involving President Trump’s tariff authority and voting rights measures.

E5 defense ministers to meet in Krakow

Defense ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Poland will meet in Krakow for an E5 gathering. NATO Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Shekerinska and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are expected to attend. Talks will focus on European and Euro-Atlantic defense, hybrid threats and Ukraine.

UN to hold biweekly briefing

The UN Information Service will hold its biweekly press briefing. Global issues, from conflicts to health, are expected to be addressed.

Argentina workers strike over labor reform bill

Unions in Argentina are continuing a nationwide 48-hour strike against a labor reform bill backed by President Javier Milei. The measure, approved by the lower house of Congress with amendments, has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

CDU congress in Stuttgart

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) will hold its party congress in Stuttgart. Merz is expected to seek re-election as party leader. Delegates will also debate party proposals and internal matters.

Russia, Ukraine signal possible new talks

Moscow and Kyiv are expected to comment on prospects for a new round of peace talks, reportedly possible by the end of the month. The sides may also assess the latest negotiations held in Geneva on Feb. 17-18.

Singapore prime minister to visit Malaysia

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will pay an official visit to Malaysia.

Japan’s prime minister to deliver policy speech

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will deliver a policy speech in parliament after her re-election in a snap vote. The address is expected to focus on stagnant economic growth.

THE ECONOMY

Germany to release producer inflation data

Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) will release January producer price data. Annual producer inflation stood at minus 2.5% in December and is expected to come in at around minus 2.2% in January.

US GDP

US will release fourth-quarter 2025 GDP figures. The economy grew 4.4% in the third quarter, while markets expect growth of 2.8% in the last quarter.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Customs and cuisine: How China’s Muslims mark Ramadan

Report on how Muslims observe Ramadan in China, focusing on preparations, fasting routines, traditional foods and local customs.

The story explores how communal meals and regional dishes give the fasting month a festive atmosphere, with insights into local traditions and cuisine, such as rice noodles and beef and red dates boiled with sugar, tea and rice.

The report features interviews with social entrepreneur Ma Erzhao Yusuf and historian Haiyun Ma on how Chinese Muslims blend local culture with Islamic traditions in one of the most important months for the Muslim community.

EXPLAINER - What does the Gordie Howe Bridge dispute mean for US-Canada ties?

Report on the escalating dispute between the US and Canada over the $4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, after US President Donald Trump demanded compensation and shared authority over the project.

The story explains the legal and financial framework of the bridge under the Canada–Michigan Crossing Agreement, outlines Trump’s criticism and Canada’s response, and examines political and economic stakes, including potential delays, trade tensions and allegations of political influence tied to rival bridge interests.

The report also assesses broader implications for US-Canada relations, as infrastructure, trade policy and domestic politics collide over a critical cross-border supply chain link.