Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, regional repercussions
The ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which began on Feb. 28, and Iran’s retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and many regional countries, including Gulf states. More escalation is expected after Tehran issued a warning to target US tech giants in the region starting Wednesday if they are involved in intelligence against Iran.
Israel’s attacks on Lebanon amid cross-border clashes with Hezbollah
The developments amid the expanded Israeli offensive across many areas in Lebanon, including the south, east, and the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut, leading to mass displacements and hundreds of deaths. The Lebanese group Hezbollah keeps targeting advanced Israeli troops in southern Lebanon and firing rockets toward northern Israel.
Reactions to Israeli parliament's approval of death penalty law targeting Palestinian prisoners
More regional reactions to Israeli Knesset approval of a death penalty law targeting Palestinian prisoners, with growing concern over its implications for human rights and regional stability. More developments are expected after Israel’s Supreme Court granted the government until May 24 to respond to a petition seeking to overturn the law.
Trump to make Iran-related announcement
US President Donald Trump will deliver an address to the public in an “important update” related to Iran.
US Supreme Court birthright citizenship oral arguments
The US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case related to Trump's Jan. 20, 2025 executive order that includes curbs on birthright citizenship. Trump has said he will be personally attending the oral arguments.
Trump to host Easter lunch
US President Donald Trump will host an Easter lunch at the White House with faith leaders to celebrate the Christian Holy Week. The event is currently scheduled to be closed to media.
NASA to launch Artemis II crewed Moon mission
NASA's first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, Artemis II, is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, US, for a 10-day mission around the Moon. A post-launch news conference with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is expected to take place after the launch of the four-person crew.
Situation in Cuba
Developments related to Cuba after US pressure on the blockaded Caribbean island seemingly eased with the arrival of Russian oil tanker following weeks of fuel shortages.
Reactions related to joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks
Global reactions and statements on developments across Middle East throughout the week after US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran while talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing.
Reactions related to Israel’s death penalty law
Global reactions to the recently adopted Israeli legislation imposing the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners in the occupied West Bank convicted of lethal attacks against Israelis.
Putin to meet with Armenian premier in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who will be in Russia on a working visit. The agenda of the meeting covers Russia-Armenia cooperation, integration cooperation within Eurasia, and economic and transport ties in the South Caucasus.
Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to present Moscow’s assessments of the international events at a press briefing in the capital Moscow.
Ukraine, US to hold online meeting on peace process with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend an online meeting with the US on the peace process with Russia, with talks aimed at clarifying each side’s position on the peace track and determining when the next trilateral meeting will take place.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham are expected to attend the meeting.
Mideast conflict likely to dominate summit of Japanese, French leaders
The conflict in the Middle East likely to dominate a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who are meeting in Tokyo. The two sides also to hold talks on boosting bilateral ties, including in defense and security.
India kicks off national census with caste added for 1st time
India launches its once-in-a-decade population census, a year-long exercise. The process includes an initial online self-enumeration phase, followed by two rounds of door-to-door surveys. The census will also collect caste data for the first time.
Asian nations react to 'inhumane' Israeli law on Palestinian prisoners
Asian nations likely to react to controversial Israeli law which sentences Palestinian prisoners to death. The law has been described as 'inhumane,' which can set a dangerous' precedent for other nations.
Turkish president's agenda
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend his Justice and Development (AK) Party's parliamentary group meeting and will chair the Central Executive Board meeting at the party headquarters in the capital Ankara.
THE ECONOMY
US Retail Sales
The US will release retail sales data for February. Retail sales in the country posted a monthly decline of 0.2% but rose by 3.16% on a yearly basis.
Eurozone unemployment
Eurostat to share monthly unemployment figures for February. In January, unemployment rate across the eurozone eased to 6.1%.
SPECIAL REPORTS
From Hormuz to Kharg: US invasion scenarios raise Iran escalation fears
Report examining the possibility of a US ground invasion of Iran and the wider risks of escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The story explores potential military scenarios, including expanded US operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the seizure of key Iranian territories such as Kharg Island and other strategic islands, as well as the prospects for a negotiated deal between Washington and Tehran. It assesses how each pathway could reshape the trajectory of the conflict and regional stability.
The report features expert analysis from Christopher Preble of the Stimson Center and Brian Finucane of the International Crisis Group, evaluating the feasibility, legal implications, and strategic risks associated with a potential ground invasion and broader escalation dynamics.
‘Work for peace, not war’: Activists to rally against Volkswagen’s potential defense deal with Israel
Report on growing opposition to plans by Volkswagen to cooperate with Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on missile-related production at its Osnabruck plant.
The story explores how peace groups, labor advocates and local initiatives are mobilizing ahead of an Easter weekend rally, arguing that the move represents a dangerous militarization of the automotive sector and a betrayal of Osnabruck’s legacy as the birthplace of the Peace of Westphalia. It highlights concerns that shifting toward defense manufacturing could redefine the city’s identity and set a precedent for broader industrial militarization in Germany.
The report includes comments from locals and activists including Marie Dominique Guyard, spokesperson for the Osnabruck Peace Initiative, and Stephan Krull, a former Volkswagen employee and labor rights advocate.
Pakistan ports emerge as transit hub as Iran war disrupts Gulf routes
Report examining how Pakistan’s ports are capitalizing on shipping disruptions linked to the Iran war.
The story highlights how cargo flows have been rerouted away from the Strait of Hormuz and affected Gulf ports, boosting activity at Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
The report includes insights from industry experts, including Mohammad Rajpar, chairman of the Pakistan Ship’s Agents Association, on whether Pakistan can convert this surge into a long-term strategic advantage, examining port capacity, policy reforms and the broader implications for regional shipping dynamics.
INFOGRAPHIC
Infographic showing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody following the new death penalty law.
