Diary
ANKARA
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, April 2, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
US-Israeli war on Iran and its regional fallout
On day 34 of the US-Israeli war on Iran, developments include Tehran's retaliation and its impact on Middle Eastern countries, as well as continued human and material losses in Arab states and the US, Israel, and Iran.
Lebanese Cabinet discusses Israeli offensives
A Lebanese Cabinet session is scheduled for Thursday at the government headquarters in central Beirut to discuss key national priorities, including the Israeli war, the displacement crisis, and the wider security and humanitarian implications of the ongoing offensive.
West's reactions to joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks
European reactions to developments in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, while negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program were underway.
Reactions to Israel’s death penalty law
Reactions from European leaders and institutions to Israel's recently passed legislation allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners.
GCC briefing at UN Security Council
The UN Security Council will hold a high-level briefing on cooperation between the UN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani is expected to chair the meeting, which is one of the signature events of Bahrain’s April Council presidency. Briefings are expected from the UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), Mohamed Khaled Khiari, and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.
Situation in Cuba
Monitoring developments related to Cuba after US pressure on the blockaded Caribbean island seemingly eased with the arrival of a Russian oil tanker following weeks of fuel shortages.
Press Briefings
United Nations at 12 pm.
UK hosts virtual meeting on Hormuz
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to hold a videoconference meeting with allies to have discussions about the Strait of Hormuz. It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday that Cooper would be hosting a meeting of allies today to discuss how to reopen the Strait.
Commonwealth of Independent States defense ministers meet
Defense ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will gather in Moscow to discuss cooperation in the defense sector.
Russia-Ukraine war and Eurasian reactions to Iran war
Eurasian reactions are to be followed amid Middle East tensions, particularly in the context of an ongoing US-Israeli offensive against Iran that has resulted in a pause in trilateral peace talks on the Ukraine war.
Asian nations struggle to preserve energy amid disruption caused by Mideast conflict
Monitoring developments and statements as Asian nations struggle to restock energy supplies amid austerity measures to preserve gas and oil supplies due to the disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
France's Macron visits South Korea
French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in South Korea, the first by a French president in 11 years. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to host Macron as the two sides move to boost ties.
Chinese Foreign Ministry official visits Bangladesh
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong will visit Bangladesh for the 14th Bangladesh-China Diplomatic Consultations, marking the first such trip since the new government was formed in Dhaka. He is expected to meet with top Bangladeshi officials.
Massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake shakes eastern Indonesia
Monitoring developments as a massive earthquake of 7.4 magnitude left at least one person dead in eastern Indonesia. The earthquake off the Indonesian coast in the Molucca Sea triggered a warning of possible tsunami waves, with officials inspecting damage inflicted by the strong tremor.
THE ECONOMY
US jobless claims
The US to release weekly initial jobless claims data for last week on April 2. In the previous week, the jobless claims rose 5,000 to 210,000.
US trade balance
The US to announce monthly foreign trade data for February. In January, the country posted a deficit of $54.5B.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Big Tech targets in Iran war: Where and why?
Report mapping the presence of major global technology companies across Gulf countries after Iran warned it could target US tech firms if the war continues to escalate.
The story provides a snapshot of where leading companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle, operate cloud regions, data centers, and regional headquarters across Gulf Cooperation Council states such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The report also explains why these facilities are considered critical infrastructure, hosting government platforms, financial systems, and AI computing power, and why they are being considered strategic targets in the US‑Israel war with Iran.
INTERVIEW - Ban US from using Germany’s bases for Iran war: Opposition to Merz government
Report on calls within Germany to restrict US military operations from bases on its territory amid the Iran war.
The story centers on an interview with Left Party lawmaker Ulrich Thoden, urging the government of Friedrich Merz to prohibit the US use of facilities such as Ramstein Air Base if they are linked to strikes on Iran. It examines a parliamentary legal assessment suggesting such operations may lack legitimacy under international law and could expose Berlin to accusations of complicity.
The report explores the broader political and legal debate within Germany and Europe, including comparisons with countries that have declined to support US operations, and the implications for transatlantic ties.
INTERVIEW - Europe must stop being ‘junior partner to US imperialism’: EU lawmaker
Interview with Marc Botenga, a Belgian member of the European Parliament, criticizing the EU’s response to the US-Israel war with Iran and broader Middle East developments.
Botenga speaks about the EU’s failure to take concrete action against US and Israeli actions, which he warns are undermining the bloc’s credibility on human rights and international law. He questions why agreements with Israel remain in place and argues that statements without tangible measures weaken the bloc’s standing.
Botenga further addresses concerns over the situation in Lebanon and Gaza, warning of escalating Israeli violence and accusing the EU of enabling policies through continued partnerships.
INFOGRAPHICS
Infographic showing Big Tech firms’ presence across Gulf countries amid Iran’s threat to target tech infrastructure if the war escalates.
VIDEO
How is the cost of the Iran war coming out of the pocket of the American taxpayer?
The "Here's what we know" video will explore how rising fuel and consumer products affect the US public.
