Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, March 23, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

US-Israeli war on Iran enters day 24

Developments will be closely followed as the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its 24th day, with spillover effects across Israel and several Arab countries. Diplomatic efforts at regional and international levels continue to try to halt hostilities and limit political and security fallout. Attention will also focus on developments after President Donald Trump warned he could destroy Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

Israel-Lebanon tensions, cross-border clashes

Developments will be monitored in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon, marked by rising casualties and large-scale civilian displacement, alongside continued Hezbollah attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

Trump to attend Memphis security roundtable

President Donald Trump will travel to Memphis, Tennessee, to take part in a “Memphis Safe Task Force Roundtable.” Desk to monitor his remarks during the trip and at the event, particularly on the war with Iran.

Trump to deploy ICE officers to airports

President Donald Trump will deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to airports nationwide to support workers affected by a funding standoff since Feb. 14. The dispute centers on demands by Democrats for major reforms to ICE as part of any deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

UN chief to mark anti-racism day

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will deliver remarks at a General Assembly plenary marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The desk will monitor for comments on the Middle East war.

European reactions to Iran conflict

European reactions to US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks will be tracked, following developments across the Middle East.

Starmer to face questions on global tensions

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will appear before the Commons Liaison Committee. The session will focus on international affairs and defense, with expected questions on the Iran conflict, the broader Middle East situation, economic security and the cost of living.

UN Human Rights Council discusses human rights in Palestine

The UN Human Rights Council continues its session, including an interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

Italy votes on judicial reforms

Voting continues in Italy on a controversial judicial reform package, including proposals to separate career paths for judges and prosecutors.

Russia, Vietnam to hold talks

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The sides are expected to sign agreements on energy cooperation. The Eurasia Desk will monitor developments through official statements and media reports.

Russia-Ukraine war, Iran conflict developments

Developments in both the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Israeli conflict with Iran will be monitored, with reactions from Moscow, Kyiv and other Eurasian capitals tracked through official statements and media reports.

EU Commission chief begins Australia visit

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will begin a three-day visit to Australia as both sides move toward a trade agreement. The visit comes amid Middle East tensions and US calls for allied support in its conflict with Iran.

Asia responds to oil shortages

Asian countries are responding to mounting oil shortages linked to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war. Developments include rising fuel prices in Sri Lanka, delayed energy shipments to Australia and South Korea preparing a supplementary budget. China is also expected to comment on the situation.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘All bets are off’: Could Iran war push US-NATO ties to breaking point?

Report examining growing tensions between the US and NATO as President Donald Trump pressures European allies to support military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The story explores how European governments have resisted calls to deploy naval assets, stressing that the conflict falls outside NATO’s defensive mandate and warning against being drawn into a war they did not initiate. It assesses how differing priorities -- from Ukraine to domestic economic concerns -- are shaping Europe’s cautious stance.

The report also analyzes the broader implications for transatlantic relations, with expert commentary from Daniel Hamilton of Johns Hopkins’ SAIS Foreign Policy Institute and the Brookings Institution; Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund and the College of Europe; and Dimitris Tsarouhas of Georgetown University.

Iran war rattles Nepal and its migrant lifeline

Report examining how the US-Israel war with Iran is affecting Nepal’s migrant workforce and remittance-dependent economy.

The story explores how the conflict has disrupted the lives of Nepali workers in the Gulf, with deaths, insecurity and evacuation fears prompting many to return home. It highlights personal accounts of families who have lost loved ones or seen migration plans collapse, undermining a key source of income for millions.

The report also analyzes the broader economic impact, including risks to remittance flows alongside rising fuel costs and supply pressures, with expert insights on how the crisis could strain household finances and slow economic activity if disruptions persist.