Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, March 2, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Ongoing regional escalation amid US-Israel attacks on Iran

The ongoing heightened regional tensions and field developments amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks on Iran that have killed several top Iranian leaders, including supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran retaliates with a series of drone and missile attacks that target Israel, US assets and several Gulf countries. Airspace, airport, land, and sea crossing still closed in the region as trading attacks continue.

Top US defense officials to hold news conference about attacks on Iran

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will address reporters at a news conference at the Pentagon on joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began Saturday.

Trump to attend Medal of Honor ceremony

US President Donald Trump will award three US Army soldiers, including two posthumously, for their actions in three different conflicts. The event will take place at the White House. Trump will also take part in policy meetings that are currently listed as closed to the media.

US secretary of state to brief congressional leaders

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will brief leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives on Capitol Hill. The agenda of the briefing has not been disclosed but it comes after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday.

UN Security Council to hold open briefing on children, technology, and education in conflict, US first lady to chair

The UN Security Council will convene for an open briefing, titled Children, technology, and education in conflict. The US, which assumes the Security Council presidency for the month of March, is organizing the meeting. First lady Melania Trump is expected to chair the meeting. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo is scheduled to brief.

Turkish president's iftar program

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend central decision and executive committee meeting of the Justice and Development (AK) Party in the capital Ankara. Later, he will address party members during an iftar dinner -- the traditional fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan -- where he is expected speak on regional issues.

Reactions to joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks

Reactions from Europe and Eurasia on developments across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran while talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation.

European Commission holds extraordinary meeting on Iran

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will convene a special meeting of the European Commission’s Security College on Monday in response to the evolving situation in Iran following attacks by the US and Israel. The Security College is the commission’s internal forum for coordinating EU security, defense, and crisis-response policies. No media opportunities are foreseen.

German chancellor heads to US for Trump meeting

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to the US for an official visit. He'll meet with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday, starting with morning discussions in the Oval Office, followed by a joint lunch. Discussions are expected to focus on US-EU trade disputes, security cooperation, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Middle East crisis.

German defense minister visits anti-drone unit

Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will visit the Air Force's anti-drone unit at Altengrabow training area. He will review the training of the counter unmanned aerial systems alongside Chief of Defense Gen. Carsten Breuer.

French president to speak on country’s nuclear doctrine

French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a speech at the Ile Longue nuclear submarine base, where he is expected to outline France’s nuclear deterrence doctrine and its potential role in strengthening European defense.

⁠Developments on expected new round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv as another round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks are expected to be held in early March. An official date and venue will be monitored for the expected talks, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said they will "most likely" take place in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

India's premier hosts Canadian counterpart

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, who is on a four-day trip to the South Asian nation to boost ties. Carney will later fly to Australia as part of his three-nation Asia trip, with the final stop in Japan.

Situation after deadly anti-US protests in Pakistan

Developments after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli attacks triggered deadly anti-US protests in Pakistan. At least 10 people were killed after they stormed US Consulate in Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi. Protests were also held in the capital Islamabad and northeastern city of Lahore.

Singaporean president, premier host South Korean president

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Premier Lawrence Wong host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for official talks, separately. Lee is on a state trip to the city-state to discuss ways to expand trade, investment, and infrastructure.

Developments as tensions persist between Afghanistan, Pakistan

Developments as the death toll climbs to 75 as cross-border tensions persist between Afghanistan and Pakistan despite regional efforts to realize a ceasefire.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Making hope normal’: Greens’ election upset reshapes UK political playbook

Report examining how the Green Party’s historic by-election victory in Gorton and Denton overturned a longstanding Labour stronghold and signaled shifting voter loyalties in British politics.

The story explores how candidate Hannah Spencer’s working-class profile, grassroots organizing and multilingual outreach helped the Greens connect across diverse communities while capitalizing on cost-of-living pressures and dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. It also assesses the campaign’s engagement with Muslim voters, broader progressive backing and the constituency’s changing political landscape, positioning the win as a potential model for future left-wing electoral strategy.

The report features insights from Green Party co-deputy leader Mothin Ali, campaign coordinator Asma Alam and political scientist Tim Bale on voter realignment, community outreach and the broader implications for Labour and UK party politics.

Kariakoo’s revival powers East Africa’s Ramadan economy

Report examining how the reconstruction of Dar es Salaam’s Kariakoo Market after the 2021 fire has restored regional trade flows and transformed the complex into a safer, more efficient commercial hub for Ramadan.

The story explores how the Muslim holy month drives a surge in demand for imported dates, lentils, garments, and household goods, with traders reporting sales increases of up to 40%. It also highlights Kariakoo’s role as a regional supply backbone serving Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Congo, where improved infrastructure, digital ordering, and faster logistics have strengthened cross-border commerce and buyer confidence.

The report features perspectives from traders, regional buyers, and market director Ashraph Abdulkarim on reconstruction, supply chains, and Ramadan-driven consumption patterns shaping East Africa’s commercial rhythms.