Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, March 26, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

MIDDLE EAST

⁠⁠⁠⁠US-Israel war on Iran and regional repercussions

Ongoing US–Israeli military offensive on Iran, continued missile and drone exchanges, and widening regional spillovers affecting Gulf states, Israel, and key energy routes.

Escalating regional repercussions, including security disruptions, threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and rising tensions involving allied groups across Lebanon and the wider region. Intensified diplomatic contacts and mediation efforts by regional and international actors amid Iranian rejection of 15-point US proposal, with Tehran insisting no negotiations are underway and that any settlement must be based solely on its own conditions.

US

Trump to hold Cabinet meeting

US President Donald Trump to convene meeting of his Cabinet at the White House. Trump traditionally makes introductory remarks, and allows his Cabinet officials to speak before taking questions from reporters. Desk to closely monitor for any remarks related to US-Israeli war on Iran. Trump will later hold a reception marking Greek Independence Day.

Venezuelan president to appear in New York court

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to appear in New York court following his capture by US forces early on Jan. 3. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who was also captured, face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machineguns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. They have pleaded not guilty. Thursday’s hearing is expected to focus on Maduro’s defense seeking a dismissal of all charges, as well as the separate issue of who will pay his legal fees.

US envoy to Türkiye to address Syria energy symposium

Tom Barrack, the US amabassador to Türkiye and special envoy to Syria, to provide keynote remarks at Atlantic Council’s US-Syria Energy Symposium. Meeting will focus on how the development of Syria’s energy sector can contribute to broader economic revitalization of the country as it continues to recover from 13 years of civil war. Yousef Qiblawy, CEO of the Syria Petroleum Company, will also deliver remarks.

UN Security Council to receive briefing on Israeli-occupied Golan

Security Council to receive briefing from Jean-Pierre Lacroix in closed consultations on the activities of the UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan. Joint statement expected after briefing.

EUROPE

Monitoring reactions to continued diplomatic moves on Iran war

Following European statements about continued diplomatic moves around the US and Iran, with proposals and counter-proposals for possible talks to end the ongoing war.

German chancellor meets eastern state leaders

Chancellor Friedrich Merz to meet with the premiers from eastern German states at Red City Hall in Berlin. The meeting, which is part of the Eastern German Ministers' Conference, expected to focus on economic issues.

G7 foreign ministers meet in France

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot hosts his G7 counterparts. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is also expected to join when Barrot holds a press conference on Thursday.

NATO chief releases annual report

Secretary General Mark Rutte to present annual report for 2025 at NATO headquarters in Brussels outlining the alliance’s activities, work, and developments over the previous year.

EURASIA

Meeting of Eurasian Economic Council prime ministers in Kazakhstan

The heads of government of the Eurasian Economic Union to meet in Shymkent, Kazakhstan to review the body's performance and set new goals. Prime ministers from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia are expected to attend.

Tajik president to visit Uzbekistan

Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon to pay 2-day visit to Uzbekistan where he is scheduled to hold talks with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Congress of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Russia

Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), traditionally attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, to be held in Moscow. Participants to present on the state of the business climate and the development of the business environment in Russia.

AFRICA

South Africa to host Chinese vice president for key commission meeting

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile set to host Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Cape Town, where the two leaders will co-chair the ninth South Africa-China Bi-National Commission aimed at advancing cooperation under a shared modernization agenda.

ASIA-PACIFIC

Pakistan Foreign Ministry news conference

At news conference, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson is expected to address Islamabad’s ongoing mediation efforts between the US and Iran. Sources in the Foreign Ministry Wednesday told Anadolu that a “breakthrough” towards much-anticipated talks is expected within 48 hours.

North Korean leader Kim to host Belarusian president

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to host Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in a sign of growing ties and cooperation between the two during latter’s first official trip to Pyongyang.

Japan releases oil reserves, 2nd time since US-Israel war with Iran began

Japan releases oil from state reserves for 2nd time since US-Israeli war against Iran began. Asian nations are grappling with disruptions in energy supplies with several of them imposing austerity measures.

Search continues for survivors after Bangladesh bus plunges into river

Authorities continue search and rescue efforts after a passenger bus with at least 40 people plunged into Bangladesh’s Padma River. Many casualties are feared.

THE ECONOMY

US jobless claims

US to release weekly jobless claims figures. They were at 205,000 the previous week but a slight increase is expected for last week.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Israel’s Lebanon campaign raises fears of wider ground occupation

Report examining Israel’s objectives in Lebanon and growing concerns over a broader ground occupation of parts of the country.

Story explores how Israel’s military presence and escalating operations are reshaping the security and humanitarian situation along the border, assessing the risks of further displacement, prolonged occupation, and regional spillover.

The report also analyzes the likelihood and consequences of a deeper Israeli push into Lebanese territory, featuring expert insights from Imad Salamey of the Lebanese American University, international security expert Rob Geist Pinfold, and David Wood, senior analyst for Lebanon at the International Crisis Group.

‘Humanity needs to wake up’: Hormuz crisis hits already strained global aid system

Report examining how the US-Israel war with Iran is increasing pressure on already strained global humanitarian supply chains.

Story explores how maritime and air traffic disruptions are forcing agencies to reroute shipments and absorb sharply rising costs, complicating emergency response efforts. It details how aid groups are trying to adapt and continue assistance to vulnerable regions across the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Report also analyzes how funding shortfalls are compounding the crisis, featuring insights from Nikola Jovanovic, global supply chain coordinator for emergencies at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies