Diary

Ongoing regional escalation amid US-Israel attacks on Iran

The ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s response, along with the repercussions of the conflict on the region and the world, particularly Arab and Gulf countries, as well as diplomatic efforts to end the escalation.

Iran is also expected to name a new supreme leader after Khamenei's killing.

Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Lebanon is entering the escalation line amid Israel's deadly strikes on the country, accompanied by Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s pledge to continue attacks until what he called the Hezbollah “threat” is eliminated and the group is disarmed.

Reactions related to joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, Tehran’s retaliatory attacks

European reactions and statements on developments across the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran, which started on Saturday despite talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program that had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation.

Reactions from Eurasian capitals regarding the attacks, which have killed several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At least five people from Asian nations have been killed during Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on the US assets in the regional countries, while thousands have been either evacuated or are in the process of being shifted out of the conflict zones.

NATO chief travels to North Macedonia

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will travel to Skopje, North Macedonia, where he will meet with the country’s president and prime minister. He will hold a joint press conference with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and deliver a speech at parliament.

Trump to receive German chancellor for talks

US President Donald Trump will receive German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House for talks that are expected to focus on Iran, Ukraine, Russia sanctions, and tariffs. Trump and Merz are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting open to reporters, as well as a later closed lunch.

Trump is later expected to hold a meeting with his Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, followed by policy meetings, behind closed doors.

US administration figures to brief lawmakers on Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine will brief the Senate and then the House of Representatives on the US’ ongoing military engagements against Iran.

Cuba faces humanitarian and energy crisis, growing US pressure

Developments in Cuba as the country experiences a severe humanitarian and energy crisis amid an ongoing oil embargo by the US, as well as the aftermath of a deadly exchange of fire between a patrol vessel and Florida-registered speedboat.

Argentine unions ramp up opposition to Milei labor reform

Developments as Argentine labor unions push harder against President Javier Milei’s sweeping labor reform, approved by Congress and aimed at overhauling hiring, firing, and collective bargaining rules.

UN briefing

UN Information Service holds its biweekly press briefing. The service reveals its agenda shortly before the briefing. Most pressing issues around the world, from conflicts to health, are expected to be discussed.

Lavrov to hold talks with Brunei’s second foreign minister

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to hold talks in Moscow with Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof. Recently, Russia and Brunei have been engaged in talks on expanding bilateral trade and economic ties.

Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Another round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks is expected in early March. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said they will "most likely" be in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but the venue may change due to Middle East tensions.

Canadian premier makes maiden trip to Australia

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins his maiden trip to Australia as part of his three-nation Asia tour. The trip aims to boost the North American nation’s trade ties with the region. He has also visited India and will fly to Japan from Australia.

Tensions continue between Afghanistan, Pakistan

Developments as the death toll climbs to 84 in the ongoing cross-border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite regional efforts to realize a ceasefire.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's inflation

TurkStat to release monthly inflation statistics for February. In January, the annual inflation was down to 30.65%.

Türkiye’s foreign trade

Türkiye will release temporary foreign trade figures for February.

Eurozone inflation

Eurostat to release inflation rate data for February. The rate was at 1.7% in January, and no change is expected for February.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Trump’s mixed messaging on Iran: War or diplomacy?

Report examining the conflicting signals from US President Donald Trump about Washington’s strategy toward Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli operation that has killed senior Iranian leaders, including the supreme leader, and triggered regional escalation.

The story explores what a potential US “day after” plan for Iran might look like, assessing Washington’s strategic objectives amid leadership decapitation strikes and widening instability. It also examines Trump’s parallel signals favoring renewed negotiations, US strategic goals, the prospects for diplomacy, and whether Washington is pursuing regime destabilization, coercive bargaining, or a negotiated settlement.

The report includes analysis from Jason Campbell of the Middle East Institute, and Evan Cooper, research analyst with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program at the Stimson Center.

Economic pressures and geopolitical shifts: What to expect from China’s ‘Two Sessions’

Report on China’s annual “Two Sessions” gathering of lawmakers, government officials, and Communist Party leaders, focusing on policy priorities, economic targets, and political decisions at a time of slowing growth and rising external tensions.

The story outlines the agenda of the week-long meetings, including expected fiscal and development goals for the year ahead. It also examines anticipated personnel changes as authorities investigate military and civilian officials, alongside the broader political messaging emerging from the leadership.

The report highlights the significance of the meetings amid global uncertainty, including Middle East tensions and trade pressures, and has analysis from Changhao Wei of Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center on governance priorities, economic policy direction, and China’s strategic outlook.

Himalayan voters brave snow and distance for Nepal’s post-protest election

Report on how residents of Nepal’s remote mountain regions are undertaking arduous journeys to return home and vote in parliamentary elections following last year’s political upheaval.

The story follows villagers from Limi in Humla district who cleared snow-blocked roads with excavators to reach their high-altitude homes in time for the March 5 vote. It places these journeys within Nepal’s broader political transition after youth-led protests toppled the government and triggered early elections.

The report has comments from citizens, analysts, and election officials on the resilience of voters determined to participate and the structural challenges facing Nepal’s democracy as new political forces challenge entrenched parties.