Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, March 30, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

US-Israeli offensive on Iran and regional ramifications

Developments in the US-Israeli campaign against Iran and its wider regional impacts, including continuing Iranian missile and drone strikes across the Middle East and growing risks of escalation on multiple fronts. Increasing regional consequences amid disturbances in the Strait of Hormuz, threats to global energy flows, and mounting economic strain from rising oil prices and instability in international markets.

Israeli attacks in the occupied West Bank

Intensifying Israeli assaults across the occupied West Bank, affecting Palestinian civilians and their property and forcing many families to leave their lands.

Israel-Lebanon escalation and cross-border attacks

Developments on the 29th day of the expanded Israeli offensive in Lebanon. The offensive has killed at least 1,238 people and injured 3,543 others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Sunday. Monitoring developments after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the army to expand occupation in southern Lebanon.

Reactions after Israel barred Latin Patriarch from Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

Monitoring regional reactions after Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.

Monitoring reactions related to joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, Tehran's retaliatory strikes

Following European reactions and statements on developments across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran while talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program had been ongoing.

Syrian president visits Germany

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Berlin for meetings with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Talks are expected to focus on regional developments, bilateral relations, and the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. A German-Syrian high-level business meeting is also planned, where senior business and government representatives will discuss prospects for economic recovery and reconstruction in Syria.

G7 finance and energy ministers meeting

Finance and energy ministers of G7 countries, as well as central bank governors, meet virtually to discuss the ramifications of the conflict in Iran.

Possible first arrival of fuel in Cuba in weeks

Developments in Cuba as the US has not moved to prevent a Russia-flagged oil tanker from reaching the island after an embargo enforced by Washington left Cuba without fuel for weeks. Reports indicate the vessel, carrying an estimated over 700,000 barrels of oil, may arrive by Monday night.

NASA to hold news briefing on Artemis II mission

NASA officials will hold a status update on preparations for the April 1 launch of the Artemis II mission. Participants include Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya, Mission Management Team Chair John Honeycutt, Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, and Chief Flight Director Emily Nelson.

Uzbekistan-Russia conference on strategic partnership to be held in Termez

An Uzbek-Russian conference titled "Uzbekistan-Russia: Strategic Partnership in the Eurasian Space" will be held March 30-31 in Termez, bringing together experts from government agencies, analytical and research centers, and business circles from both countries.

Developments in Russia's Dagestan, Chechnya amid severe weather

Developments in Russia's Dagestan and Chechnya regions will be followed after heavy rainfall led to the evacuation of around 4,000 people and flooded more than 3,500 homes and courtyards on Sunday. The Eurasia desk will monitor developments through official statements and media reports.

Russia-Ukraine war and Eurasian reactions to Iran war

Eurasian reactions to be followed amid Middle East tensions, particularly in the context of the ongoing US-Israeli offensive against Iran that has resulted in a pause in trilateral peace talks on the Ukraine war. The Eurasia desk will monitor related developments via official statements and media reports.

Developments as Pakistan leads indirect talks between US, Iran

Developments and statements as Pakistan leads indirect talks between the US and Iran. To fast-track such efforts, Islamabad is also hosting foreign ministers of Türkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia for talks aimed at de-escalating heightened tensions in the Middle East as the US-Israeli war with Iran enters its second month.

Indonesian president visits Japan

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pays an official visit to Japan. Prabowo is scheduled to be hosted by Emperor Naruhito and hold talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Security and trade are among the issues on the agenda.

US-Israel war with Iran triggers energy crisis for Asian nations

Monitoring statements and developments as the US-Israeli war with Iran, now entering its second month, has triggered an energy crisis for many Asian nations, which have implemented various austerity measures and cut electricity and oil consumption.

THE ECONOMY

Germany inflation

Germany's Destatis will release the consumer price index for March. Prices increased by 1.9% year-on-year in February.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER – Bab al-Mandeb Strait: Iran war places another vital shipping route at risk

Report on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait – a critical artery for global trade and energy – at increasing risk of disruption due to the spiraling US-Israel war with Iran.

The story presents key details of the maritime passage, its significance in global oil and trade flows, and why it is emerging as a second major chokepoint alongside the Strait of Hormuz.

The report highlights how the Bab al-Mandeb’s narrow geography makes it especially vulnerable to blockades or attacks, and gives an overview of the impact of any potential closure on global energy flows.

INTERVIEW – Belgium’s fuel price cap under strain amid Iran war shock

Interview with Johan Mattart, general manager of the Belgian Federation of Fuel and Fuel Traders (BRAFCO), on how the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions are pressuring Belgium’s fuel pricing system.

Mattart explains how rising oil prices are forcing fuel distributors to sell at a loss under Belgium’s regulated maximum price mechanism, exposing flaws in the current system during periods of market volatility. He speaks about the need for a shift toward advisory pricing and other changes to reflect real market conditions.

Mattart also warns of how fragmented national responses risk deepening the crisis, and calls for a coordinated European energy strategy focused on reducing dependence on Middle Eastern oil and accelerating investment in renewables.