Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

US-Iran tensions

Tensions between the US and Iran persist despite the resumption of nuclear negotiations earlier this month, unfolding amid an expanded US military deployment in the Persian Gulf and Iranian military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.

European reactions and official statements amid growing risks of escalation in the region.

Illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank

Escalating attacks by illegal Israeli settlers across the occupied West Bank have targeted Palestinians through assaults, killings, and forced displacement, alongside arson attacks and the destruction of homes and agricultural land.

Expected new round of Moscow-Kyiv peace talks

Statements from Moscow and Kyiv will be followed as Russia and Ukraine announced a new round of peace talks may take place in the near future, reportedly by the end of the month.

Blizzard expected to hit northeastern US

A potentially life-threatening winter storm is expected to make landfall in the northeastern US, with the first local states of emergency set to take effect at noon Sunday as nearly 30 million residents of major cities, including New York and New Jersey, are under blizzard warnings.

Laos holds parliamentary elections

Laos holds parliamentary elections to elect 175 lawmakers, with 243 candidates running for the National Assembly.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions

Developments after Islamabad launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan following militant attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has claimed the militant attacks originated from inside Afghanistan, while Kabul insists it does not allow Afghan soil be used against any of its neighbors.

Brazilian president's visit to South Korea

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Sunday, marking the first presidential-level visit to South Korea in 21 years. Lula is set to hold a summit with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung as the two leaders are expected discuss cooperation in trade, investment, climate, energy, space, defense industry, science and technology, agriculture, education, and culture, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Possible reactions to fresh Trump tariffs

Expected global reactions to fresh tariffs by US President Donald Trump after the US Supreme Court declared his previous levies illegal.