Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Ongoing regional escalation

The developments of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, and Tehran's military response, which has involved Arab states alongside Tel Aviv, and its regional repercussions. Diplomatic efforts and communications among regional leaders in an attempt to contain the war and mitigate its negative consequences, along with the economic repercussions of the ongoing war on global markets, particularly in light of fluctuating oil, gold, and shipping prices.

Israeli war on Lebanon

The latest developments of the Israeli attacks against Lebanon, which have left more than 1,000 dead, around 2,900 wounded, and more than 1 million displaced. More escalation is expected as Israel plans to call up around 400,000 reservists soon amid a possible expansion of ground attacks in southern Lebanon.

Israeli occupiers’ West Bank attacks

The rising attacks by Israeli occupiers across the occupied West Bank, which target Palestinian citizens and their property, and force many families to flee their lands.

Reactions following Trump's announcement of 5-day pause in planned strikes on Iranian power plants, energy infrastructure

European statements about US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a five-day pause in planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days.

German chancellor to speak in parliament

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz will attend a parliament session in Berlin, where he is expected to deliver comments on current domestic and international issues.

Top German diplomat meets Tunisian foreign minister

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will meet with his Tunisian counterpart Mohamed Ali Nafti in Berlin. Following their discussions, the two ministers will hold a joint press conference at the Foreign Ministry.

UK premier faces questions in parliament

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons, with MPs expected to press the premier on domestic and international matters, especially the UK’s role in US-Israel war with Iran.

EU Council, Commission speeches on energy security

The European Council and the European Commission address lawmakers at the European Parliament in Brussels, on the latest leaders’ summit, which took place on March 19, as well as on energy security and supply amid the escalation in the Middle East.

Spanish premier’s speech on Iran war

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a major address on the war in Iran, following a request on March 6. Sanchez, who has repeatedly described the war ‘illegal,’ said the war involving Israel, the US, and Iran violates international law and threatens Europe’s interests.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly briefing

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing, during which she will present Russia's assessment of global issues and respond to reporters' questions.

Russian president to take part in event on occasion of Culture Workers Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin to award young culture professionals and hold a meeting of the Council for Culture in Moscow on the occasion of the Culture Workers Day.

Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East armed conflict

Developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Israeli war with Iran will be followed, with reactions from Moscow, Kyiv, and Eurasian capitals.

Trump to address Republican fundraiser

US President Trump to deliver remarks at National Republican Congressional Committee annual fundraising dinner in Washington, DC. Possible comments on the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran as Trump maintains negotiations to end the conflict are ongoing.

US State Department official to testify on arms control

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee holds hearing on the future of arms control. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno to testify.

US lawmakers to receive briefing on Iran war

US Senate Committee on Armed Services to receive a non-public briefing on Operation Epic Fury, the US war on Iran that began on Feb. 28. While the briefing is closed to the press, senators typically speak to media afterwards.

UN press briefing

The regular briefing of the United Nations.

Ghana's president set to lead landmark UN vote on transatlantic slave trade

Statements and reactions from African states, as Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama presents a draft resolution at the UN General Assembly seeking to classify the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity, a move that would be unprecedented if adopted.

Belarusian president to visit North Korea

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to pay a two-day official visit to the North Korean capital Pyongyang, at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, aimed at boosting ties. According to Lukashenko’s office, the sides plan to sign agreements aimed at strengthening the legal framework for bilateral relations.

Japanese premier meets UN energy chief

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency as the Mideast conflict hits energy supplies, with Japan most affected after South Korea in Asia. Tokyo is also set to release strategic stockpiles, second time since the Iran war began.

India holds all-party meeting as Mideast conflict hits energy supplies

Indian government holds all-party meeting to discuss escalating conflict in the Middle East which has hit energy supplies. The meeting is expected to build consensus on response to challenges brought by the conflict as New Delhi has faced criticism for its silence on US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Developments as Pakistan says 'ready' to host US-Iran talks

Statements and developments as Pakistan has said it is "ready" to host "conclusive" talks between the US and Iran to end war in the Middle East.

THE ECONOMY

UK inflation

UK to release monthly consumer price index data for February. In January, the annual inflation eased to 3%.

German business climate

German ifo Institute to share monthly business climate index data for March. In February, the index rose to 88.6 points.

US current account

The US will release current account balance data for the fourth quarter of 2025. The previous quarter saw a deficit of $226 billion.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Europe resorts to crisis measures as Iran war triggers energy crisis

Report examining the measures European countries have been forced to take as they face a new energy crisis caused by the US-Israel war with Iran.

The story explains how rising fuel and LNG prices are forcing governments across Europe to introduce emergency measures, including fuel rationing in Slovenia, subsidies and tax cuts in Spain, and price controls or policy interventions in Germany and Italy. It assesses how shifting supply patterns, including greater reliance on US LNG, are reshaping Europe’s energy mix.

The report also analyzes longer-term risks with insights from experts, including Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis and Lisa Basquel of the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center.

INTERVIEW - Iran war deepening pressure on German industry, business leader warns

Interview with David Deissner, managing director of Stiftung Familienunternehmen, a foundation that represents the country’s family-owned companies, on how the Iran war is compounding economic pressures on German industry.

Deissner explains how rising energy costs and geopolitical instability are weighing on Germany’s family-owned businesses, which were already struggling with high gas and oil prices. He shares concerns over disrupted supply chains, weakened exports, and declining investment confidence as the Middle East conflict intensifies.

Deissner also warns about the broader ripple effects through China and global markets, while calling for domestic policy changes, including lower energy taxes, to help German industry navigate mounting economic and geopolitical challenges.