Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Regional escalation amid US-Israel confrontation with Iran
Developments on the 11th day of the US-Israeli war on Iran, including Tehran’s response and the repercussions on several Arab countries, as well as Israel and US bases in the region.
Material and human losses resulting from the war, including casualties and damages in Arab countries, alongside losses on the Israeli and Iranian sides.
Reactions related to joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks
Global reactions and statements from world leaders on developments across the Middle East amid growing tensions in the region, triggered both by US-Israeli joint war on Iran and subsequent Iranian strikes on regional countries.
The conflict has resulted in casualties and damage, with many countries seeking de-escalation and evacuating their citizens from the region.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon, clashes with Hezbollah
Developments in the Israeli army’s attacks and clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with the field and humanitarian consequences of evacuation warnings issued to wide areas in southern Lebanon and several neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs, and the resulting displacement of residents.
Turkish president's program
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to host representatives of religious minorities during an iftar dinner -- the traditional fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan -- in the capital Ankara. He is expected to speak on regional issues.
France to host World Nuclear Energy Summit
France will host the second World Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, bringing together heads of state and government, international organizations, financial institutions, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the role of civil nuclear energy in addressing global energy and climate challenges. Organized in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the summit will focus on nuclear energy’s contribution to decarbonization, energy security, and electricity supply.
Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar will also attend the summit and hold bilateral talks.
EU Ambassadors' Conference continues in Brussels
The annual EU Ambassadors Conference in Brussels is held through March 13. The program includes a speech by EU Council President Antonio Costa. The conference brings together more than 145 EU ambassadors and heads of EU delegations from around the world.
UN briefing
The UN Information Service holds its biweekly press briefing. The service reveals its agenda shortly before the briefing, with the most pressing issues around the world, from conflicts to health, expected to be discussed.
German chancellor meets Czech premier in Berlin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will welcome Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis with military honors in Berlin. The two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation, current foreign and European policy issues, and preparations for the upcoming EU leaders summit on March 19-20. A joint press conference is scheduled to follow their talks.
Developments amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war
Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and peace efforts which have been suspended due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Battlefield developments and steps related to the continuation of US-mediated peace talks.
Trump to attend series of policy meetings
US President Donald Trump to participate in a pair of unspecified policy meetings at the White House. Both of the sessions are currently listed as closed to the press, but the US president is known to have opened prior events to the in-town pool in the past. Possible remarks concerning Iran.
Pentagon chief's news conference on Iran operation
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman John Caine to brief reporters at the Pentagon on the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Briefing comes after Trump on Monday said the war will end "very soon" as the conflict increasingly spreads instability throughout the region, spiking the price of oil.
US Senate Committee to receive closed-door briefing on Iran operation
The US Senate Committee on Armed Services receives a non-public briefing on Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing US operation in Iran. The meeting is currently listed as closed to the press, but lawmakers often address reporters after the classified sit-down.
UN Security Council to gather on Middle East
The UN Security Council to meet for separate sessions focused on the Middle East. The council will convene in the morning for a briefing on chemical weapons use in Syria, followed by an afternoon session on UN sanctions on Iran.
China’s political advisory body closes annual meetings under ‘Two Sessions’
The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) closes annual meetings under "Two Sessions" and adopts the Standing Committee Work Report and proposal work report. The CPPCC meetings are being held in Beijing, parallel to 4th session of the 14th National People’s Congress.
Nepal moves to form new government
Rastriya Swatantra Party is set to form a new government after winning general elections with over 150 seats, far above the required 138. Balendra Shah, the former mayor of the capital Kathmandu, is the frontrunner for the party's prime ministerial candidate.
THE ECONOMY
German foreign trade
Destatis to announce monthly foreign trade statistics for January. In December, Germany saw a trade surplus of $20.2 billion.
Turkish industrial production
TurkStat to release monthly industrial production data for January. In December, Türkiye's industrial production climbed 18.3% on a monthly basis.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Iran war pushes Gulf capitals to reassess risks and alliances
Report examining how Gulf countries are responding to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran and recalibrating their security strategies amid continuing attacks.
The story explores how Gulf governments are assessing the escalation and adjusting their political and military postures as the conflict unfolds. It analyzes the countermeasures being adopted to mitigate risks, including defensive preparations against potential Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The report also examines the region’s evolving military capabilities and strategic calculations, featuring insights from Anna Jacobs of the Arab Gulf States Institute and Ali Bakir of Qatar University on how Gulf states are balancing deterrence, diplomacy, and regional stability.
Europe grapples with internal splits as US-Israel war with Iran intensifies
Report examining how Europe is struggling to maintain unity as the US-Israeli war with Iran escalates, exposing divisions over how closely governments should align with Washington.
The story explores differing responses across the continent, with EU leaders calling for restraint and diplomacy while countries adopt varied positions – from Britain’s cautious balancing of alliance commitments to Spain’s outspoken opposition to the military campaign. It assesses how these diverging approaches reflect broader tensions between transatlantic solidarity, domestic politics, and concerns over regional escalation.
The report also discusses the implications for European unity, energy security, and the continent’s ability to act collectively in global security crises, featuring comments from experts, including Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
France’s new nuclear plan sparks debate over European deterrence
Report examining how France’s new nuclear strategy is reigniting debate over European deterrence as security concerns grow across the continent.
The story explores President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to expand France’s nuclear warhead stockpile, end public disclosure of its arsenal size, and deepen nuclear cooperation with European partners. It assesses how the initiative, framed as “forward deterrence,” is intended to strengthen Europe’s security posture amid the Ukraine-Russia war, instability in the Middle East, and rising doubts about US security guarantees.
The report also analyzes the strategic, political, and financial implications of the proposal, including questions over NATO coordination, Germany’s potential role, and the costs of expanding nuclear forces, with comments from Paul Dorfman, chair of the Nuclear Consulting Group, and Jacop Ross of the German Council on Foreign Relations.
