Diary
ANKARA
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, March 19, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
US-Israel war on Iran and regional repercussions
The US-Israeli bombing of Iran continues on the 20th day, killing several Iranian leaders and top officials, with Tehran responding by attacking Israel and US interests in the Middle East, as a regional spillover into Arab states disrupts global oil and financial markets and threatens further damage to the world economy.
Israel-Lebanon escalation and cross-border attacks
Developments on the 17th day of the expanded Israeli military offensive in Lebanon and its repercussions, with a continued rise in casualties and displacement, alongside ongoing Hezbollah attacks against advancing Israeli forces in the south.
Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for 20th day continues amid Israeli restrictions
Continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem for the 20th consecutive day since Israel declared a state of emergency following the war with Iran, preventing Muslim faithful's access during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Trump hosts Japanese premier
US President Donald Trump will host Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House for bilateral talks. The meeting comes as oil prices continue to skyrocket due to the US-Israeli war against Iran. Japan relies heavily on oil that transits the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively shut down in retaliation for the ongoing conflict.
Top Pentagon officials' media briefing
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine will brief reporters at the Pentagon on the US war on Iran.
Voting for Trump's pick to lead DHS
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will vote on Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination to be Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, succeeding Kristi Noem, following his confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
EU leaders meet in Brussels
EU leaders will gather in Brussels on March 19-20 to discuss Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and the single market, European defense and security, and migration.
Germany’s anti-terror exercise
German authorities will hold a press conference in the northern town of Heiligenhafen to discuss GETEX, a major anti-terror exercise. The drill brings together federal and state police forces, as well as the Bundeswehr (German armed forces), to simulate complex scenarios such as sabotage attacks, espionage operations, and terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure.
NATO chief meets Romanian president, Bulgarian premier
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will meet Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov in Brussels and deliver brief remarks. He will also host Romanian President Nicusor Dan at NATO Headquarters, where they will hold a joint press conference.
Ukrainian president's likely address at European Council meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address a European Council meeting in Brussels. Leaders of EU member states will meet in Brussels to discuss rising tensions in the Middle East, and Zelenskyy is expected to attend the summit via video conference to provide the latest updates on the ground in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Eurasian reactions to Middle East tensions, Russia-Ukraine war
Reactions from Eurasian capitals to ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran will be closely followed, as will developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, where new efforts are reportedly underway to organize another round of US-mediated peace talks.
Thailand elects new premier
Thai lawmakers vote to elect a new prime minister after snap polls held last month. Anutin Charnvirakul is likely to be re-elected as Thai prime minister after his Bhumjaithai Party won the most seats and secured the support of some 291 lawmakers as part of a new coalition. A candidate needs 251 votes to win the premier election.
Asian nations continue to take measures as energy supplies slow amid Mideast conflict
Asian nations continue to implement additional austerity measures to mitigate the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has slowed global energy supplies.
Pakistani-Afghan tensions after deadly clashes
The latest situation after Pakistan said it paused military operations in Afghanistan for the Muslim holiday of Eid at midnight Wednesday until Monday, March 23. Three weeks of deadly clashes between the two neighbors killed hundreds.
THE ECONOMY
UK unemployment
The UK to release the monthly unemployment rate data for January. In December 2025, the UK's unemployment rate rose to 5.2%. Markets expect it to rise further to 5.3% in January.
ECB interest rate decision
The European Central Bank to announce its interest rate decision. In its previous meeting, the central bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 2%. Markets expect a similar decision for this meeting.
US initial jobless claims
The US to release initial jobless claims data for last week. In the previous week, the claims fell to 213,000.
BoE interest rate
The Bank of England to announce interest rate decision. The bank lowered the rate from 4% to 3.75% in December and kept the rate unchanged in February. The market expects that the bank will keep the rate constant in the March meeting.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Trump-Takaichi summit tests Japan’s balancing act over Iran war
Report examining the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as tensions rise over the US-Israel war with Iran.
The story explores the challenges facing Tokyo as Washington presses Japan to deploy a warship to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, assessing how Takaichi is navigating alliance expectations alongside domestic and regional constraints. It examines Japan’s efforts to recalibrate ties with the US while also managing China’s growing influence in the region.
The report features expert insights from Matthew Wheeler of the International Crisis Group and foreign policy consultant Nancy Snow of Kreab Tokyo on Japan’s strategic balancing act amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Eid in mourning: Iran war leaves migrant families grieving in Pakistan
Report examining how the US-Israel war with Iran is casting a shadow over Eid al-Fitr celebrations for families of migrant workers killed in the Middle East.
The story focuses on families in Pakistan facing a somber Eid after losing loved ones who had been working abroad, often as sole breadwinners. It also assesses the broader human and economic impact of the conflict on migrant communities, where deaths and disruptions to employment threaten household stability.
The report includes interviews with family members of three Pakistani migrant workers killed in the conflict, highlighting their personal accounts of grief.
Oil shock to food prices: How Iran war is raising global inflation risks
Report examining how the oil shock triggered by the Iran war is beginning to spill into global food markets, raising the risk of higher prices for households worldwide.
The story explores how disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving up energy, transport and fertilizer costs, creating a chain reaction across the food supply system. It explains how rising input costs could gradually push up prices for staples such as meat, dairy and fresh produce rather than causing an immediate supply shock.
The report features insights from Chris Barrett, an agricultural economist at Cornell University, and Joseph Glauber of the International Food Policy Research Institute.
