Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠⁠⁠⁠US-Israel war on Iran and regional repercussions

Developments on the 25th day of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Iran’s response, and the widening repercussions of the conflict as it extends beyond Israel to include several Arab countries. Regional developments and reactions following US President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone targeting Iran’s power stations and infrastructure, alongside a request to suspend such attacks. Ongoing diplomatic efforts and communications among regional leaders to end the war and mitigate its negative consequences are also underway.

⁠⁠Israel-Lebanon escalation and cross-border attacks

Developments on the 23rd day of the renewed Israeli military offensive on Lebanon, which by Monday evening had resulted in 1,039 killed, 2,876 injured, and more than one million displaced.

Cabinet meeting

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where he will later address the public about domestic and regional issues, including the ongoing US-Israel war in Iran.

Reactions to Trump's decision to pause attacks on Iranian power plants

Expected European countries' reactions to Trump's announcement of a five-day pause in planned strikes on Iranian power plants and infrastructure, citing “productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days.

German president attends Foreign Ministry anniversary

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will attend a ceremony in Berlin, commemorating 75 years since the re-establishment of the German Foreign Ministry after World War II. He is expected to comment on Germany's role in global politics, challenges facing the European Union, and the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Denmark holds parliamentary election

Denmark will hold parliamentary elections, with opinion polls showing a narrow lead for Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s center-left bloc, though the outcome may hinge on centrist parties or representatives from Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Key campaign issues include the economy, environment, and a proposed wealth tax targeting the country’s richest, as well as tensions over Greenland and relations with the United States.

EU Council chief travels to France

European Council President Antonio Costa will travel to the French capital, where he will deliver a speech at the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po and meet with French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

UN OPT rapporteur’s report

Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, will launch her latest report, "Torture and Genocide," in Geneva.

⁠UN briefing

The UN Information Service holds a biweekly press briefing. The service reveals its agenda shortly before the briefing; therefore, the focus will be based on this agenda. But most pressing issues around the world, from conflicts to health, are expected to be discussed.

OSCE secretary general to visit Kyrgyzstan

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu will arrive in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit to discuss cooperation in the military-political, economic-environmental, and humanitarian areas. Sinirlioglu is scheduled to meet with the country’s top leadership, as well as with Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev.

2nd Interregional Forum Uzbekistan–Tajikistan

The 2nd Interregional Forum Uzbekistan–Tajikistan will be held in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region, aiming to strengthen trade and economic ties and develop business cooperation between the regions of the two countries.

Russia–Ukraine and US–Israel–Iran conflicts

Developments in the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the US–Israeli confrontation with Iran will be followed, with reactions from Moscow, Kyiv, and Eurasian capitals monitored through official statements and media reports.

Trump swears in new DHS chief

US President Donald Trump will swear in his new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin during an Oval Office ceremony.

UN Security Council to be briefed on Palestine

The UN Security Council will hold an open briefing on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question” (MEPQ). Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) Ramiz Alakbarov and Board of Peace (BoP) High Representative to Gaza Nickolay Mladenov are expected to brief the council.

Rubio to testify

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to testify in the trial of former Miami-Dade Congressman David Rivera and political consultant Esther Nuhfer, who are accused of working as unregistered foreign agents for the Venezuelan government under Nicolas Maduro in 2019-20. Rivera is also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

China hosts annual Boao Forum

China hosts the annual Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the southern island province of Hainan. The forum brings together hundreds of officials, politicians, officeholders, professionals, and experts to deliberate on global issues. The forum is being held amid war in the Middle East. Top Chinese lawmaker Zhao Leji to deliver keynote address.

Australian premier hosts EU commission president

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosts EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They are expected to discuss finalizing a trade deal and address the war in the Middle East.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Threat to sovereign stability’: Iran war spillover felt across Africa

Report examining how the US-Israel war with Iran is reshaping Africa’s strategic landscape as maritime disruptions and global rivalries intensify.

The story explores how the conflict is affecting key chokepoints such as the Bab al-Mandab and Red Sea routes, raising shipping costs, straining energy supplies and amplifying economic pressures across African economies. It also assesses how rising fuel and fertilizer costs are feeding into inflation, food insecurity and political instability, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.

The report also analyzes Africa’s cautious diplomatic positioning and growing geopolitical significance, featuring insights from experts, including Chatham House’s Hubert Kinkoh, on global power contests and deepening structural vulnerabilities across the continent.

Hormuz crisis: Why Gulf’s energy export alternatives remain limited

Report examining how disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are exposing the fragility of Gulf oil exports and accelerating efforts to develop alternative routes.

The story explores the limited capacity of existing bypass infrastructure, such as Saudi and UAE pipelines, and why no current workaround can fully replace Hormuz flows.

The report also analyzes how the crisis is driving renewed infrastructure investment but why a shift from Hormuz would require years, with insights from Li-Chen Sim of the US Middle East Institute, Oxford University's Adi Imsirovic, and energy analyst Jim Krane of Rice University.