Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

US-Israel war on Iran and regional repercussions

Developments of the US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s response, with the escalation extending to Arab states, alongside Israel, amid rising human and material losses in Arab countries, as well as in Israel and Iran, in addition to disruptions in global oil and financial markets.

Israel-Lebanon front escalation and cross-border attacks

Developments on the 16th day of the expanded Israeli military offensive and its repercussions in Lebanon, with the daily rise in the number of killed, wounded, and displaced, alongside the Lebanese group Hezbollah’s military operations against Israeli forces advancing in southern Lebanon.

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

Global reactions and statements on developments across the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which started on Feb. 28 while talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing.

German chancellor meets European Parliament chief

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosts Roberta Metsola, the president of European Parliament, at the Chancellery as the meeting is expected to focus on the geopolitical situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the EU foreign and trade policy.

Greek, German foreign ministers meet in Berlin

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul meets with his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis in Berlin, where the pair are expected to discuss bilateral relations, EU matters, and the escalating Middle East conflict amid the continuing US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks on Israel and its Arab neighbors.

EU foreign policy chief presents report on foreign interference

EU foreign policy Kaja Kallas presents the 4th edition of the Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats in Brussels. The event is set to bring together experts and practitioners from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to exchange practical insights on responding to these threats.

EU’s Kallas responds to lawmakers’ questions

The EU foreign policy chief also meets with members of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs in Brussels, where she is expected to address lawmakers and respond to their questions on current foreign policy developments.

UN briefing on global challenges

UN Information Service holds 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.

Turkish foreign minister to host top Canadian diplomat

Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in the Turkish capital Ankara. The two are expected to discuss bilateral ties, trade, defense cooperation, and regional developments during the meeting.

EU envoy for sanctions to visit Kazakhstan

EU envoy for sanctions David O'Sullivan to pay a two-day visit to Kazakhstan. He is set to hold a number of meetings with Kazakh officials focused on accession of Central Asian country to sanctions against Russia.

Reactions to ongoing developments in Moscow-Kyiv war

Reactions from Eurasian capitals to the ongoing developments in the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict, where new efforts are reportedly underway to organize another round of US-mediated peace talks.

Trump's agenda

US President Donald Trump to host Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin at the White House for a bilateral meeting and Friends of Ireland luncheon. In the evening, Trump will host Martin and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly for the annual Shamrock Bowl Presentation. The US president's possible remarks on his ongoing war with Iran.

US special envoy's briefing on Iran war

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff to brief small group of US senators on the Iran war in a classified setting. The meeting is closed to the press, with possible comments from lawmakers following the discussion.

US House Intelligence Committee hearing

The US House Intelligence Committee holds a hearing on current security threats facing the US and its allies. Witnesses include CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. James Adams. Possible remarks on Iran, Cuba, and China.

UN Security Council meeting on Lebanon

UN Security Council to meet to discuss the situation in Lebanon. The session is currently listed as closed to press.

Mideast conflict continues to affect energy markets

Developments and statements as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to affect energy supplies worldwide.

Tensions persist despite calls for ceasefire between Pakistan, Afghanistan

Developments and statements as deadly tensions continue between Pakistan and Afghanistan, despite calls for ceasefire. Some 106 people, including civilians, have been killed since late February.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Are US, Israel at odds over war goals in Iran?

Report examining whether the US and Israel could be pursuing different strategic objectives in their war with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said the two allies’ objectives ‘might be a little different.’

The story looks at signs of possible divergence between Washington and Tel Aviv and assesses how differing priorities over military targets and the desired endgame could shape the duration and trajectory of the conflict.

The report includes comments from Jack Clayton, a US foreign policy analyst, and Ahron Bregman, an Israeli-British political scientist and teaching fellow in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London.

Muslims in Maryland turn Ramadan into a month of generosity and solidarity

Report examining how mosques in the US transform into hubs of charity and community during Ramadan, as worshippers gather nightly for prayers, shared meals and aid for families in need.

The story focuses on activities at the Imaam Center in Maryland, where volunteers organize communal iftar meals, distribute food packages and provide assistance to struggling families, including refugees facing high living costs. It also explores how the holy month strengthens bonds within Muslim communities living as a minority in the US.

The report features reflections from worshippers and community organizers on how Ramadan fosters generosity, solidarity and spiritual growth.