Diary
ANKARA
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, April 3, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
US-Israeli war on Iran and its regional fallout
Day 35 of the US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation, continued exchanges of strikes, escalating regional tensions, and expanding security repercussions across Israel, the Gulf, Iraq, and Jordan.
Possible Al-Aqsa incursions by Israeli occupiers amid Passover
Possible incursions by Israeli occupiers and far-right calls to perform ritual sacrifices at Al-Aqsa Mosque, coinciding with the second day of the week-long Jewish holiday of Passover.
Reactions related to joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks
Following European reactions and statements on developments across Middle East amid US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Monitoring European reactions to Israel’s death penalty law
Following reactions from European leaders and institutions to the recently adopted Israeli legislation imposing the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners in the occupied West Bank convicted of lethal attacks against Israelis.
UN Security Council expected to vote on Bahraini proposal on Strait of Hormuz
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a Bahraini resolution on action to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, shut due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. The vote is set to take place despite the fact that it falls on Good Friday, an official UN holiday when headquarters is typically closed and meetings are not normally held.
Developments after US Army Chief retires amid war on Iran
Following developments after the Pentagon announced Thursday that Gen. Randy A. George will retire from his role as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army “effective immediately.”
German Easter marches
Peace activists are set to rally in several German cities on Friday and Saturday for the traditional Easter marches. Organizers say diplomacy should take priority over war and aggression, amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Lavrov to meet with secretary-general of Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to receive Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev, who is scheduled to pay a working visit to Moscow. The parties plan to discuss ensuring security and sustainable development in Eurasia.
Commonwealth of Independent States Economic Forum
The International Economic Forum of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will take place in Moscow. Participants plan to discuss the economic integration of the region and overcoming new challenges associated with the changing political situation in the world.
Russia-Ukraine war and Eurasian reactions to Iran war
Eurasian reactions to be followed amid Middle East tensions, particularly in the context of an ongoing US-Israeli offensive against Iran that has resulted in a pause in trilateral peace talks on the Ukraine war.
Asian nations respond to energy flow disruption in Hormuz Strait
Monitoring developments and statements as Asian nations respond to energy flow disruptions as Iran maintains effective control over Strait of Hormuz amid war with the US and Israel. While several nations have been able to pass their vessels in coordination with Tehran, Iran has said the strait is closed for vessels from 'enemies.'
South Korean president hosts French counterpart
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron hold a summit in Seoul. Impact of US-Israeli war with Iran and disruptions in energy supplies likely to dominate talks.
China's Foreign Ministry holds briefing
China’s Foreign Ministry holds regular press briefing and is likely to address US-Israeli war with Iran, controversial Israeli law on Palestinian prisoners as well as talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan mediated by Beijing.
Junta leader set to be elected Myanmar’s president
Burmese military-backed lawmakers elect Myanmar junta chief as new president. Min Aung Hlaing ruled the Southeast Asian nation since 2021 coup and held 3-phase elections since last December, which saw junta-backed party winning most parliamentary seats.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's inflation
TurkStat to release monthly consumer price index (CPI) figures for March on April 3. In February, the annual inflation stood at 31.53% and monthly inflation at 2.96%.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Five weeks in: Iran war drifts toward costly stalemate despite tactical gains
Report examining how the US, Iran and Israel are locked in a prolonged stalemate five weeks into the conflict.
The story uses data and figures to show that while all three sides have demonstrated significant tactical capabilities, none has been able to convert battlefield gains into a decisive strategic victory. It breaks down each side’s position, including mounting financial and military costs for the US and Israel, and heavy infrastructure and leadership losses for Iran.
The report includes analysis from Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco, a researcher who focuses on security affairs of the Gulf region, highlighting an emerging pattern of asymmetry, endurance and rising costs.
Africa scrambles to contain fuel shock as Iran war disrupts energy flows
A snapshot report examining how African governments are responding to fuel shortages and rising prices triggered by disruptions linked to the Iran war.
The story outlines how the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has exposed the vulnerability of African economies, with countries heavily reliant on Gulf fuel supplies facing surging pump prices, supply constraints and mounting inflation risks.
The report compiles country-by-country responses, showing a mix of emergency measures from Botswana to Ethiopia, Kenya to South Africa, and Nigeria to Zimbabwe.
VIDEO
Can Trump leave NATO?
The “Here's what we know” video will explore US President Donald Trump's statements criticizing NATO, Rubio's Congressional Bill blocking such decisions by the president and legal procedures that would have to take place for the US to leave the alliance.