ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Heightened regional escalation amid US-Israel attacks on Iran
Intensified regional tensions as US and Israeli strikes on Iran continue, triggering retaliatory action from Tehran against Israel and Arab and Gulf states that house US military assets.” Reactions, and updates on the closure of airspace, airports, and land and sea crossings in the region and beyond.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Deadly Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon as it pledged to eliminate Hezbollah’s “threat” after the group claimed several attacks on Israel in response to military operation against Iran and killing of its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Top US defense officials to hold news conference on Iran attack
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine will hold a news briefing at the Pentagon on the US’ joint strikes with Israeli against Iran.
Possible US Senate vote on Iran war powers resolution
The US Senate may vote on Sen. Tim Kaine’s war powers resolution requiring Congressional approval for military action against Iran.
Trump to chair roundtable on easing consumers’ AI-driven power cost burden
US President Donald Trump will hold a roundtable meeting at the White House on “ratepayer protection,” an initiative he announced seeking to shift AI-driven electricity costs away from consumers. During the event, he is also expected address current issues, including ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
House Democratic veterans to speak out against war in Iran
Members of the House of Representatives who have served in the US military will gather in front of the Capitol to speak out against war in Iran.
Cuba faces humanitarian and energy crisis, growing US pressure
Cuba 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.
EU foreign policy chief attends Council of Baltic Sea States
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will attend an informal ministerial meeting of the Council of Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in Warsaw, alongside the foreign ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. Ministers are expected to decide on the CBSS’s main strategic orientations.
European Parliament holds press conference on Palestine
Lynn Boylan, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Palestine, will hold a press conference in Brussels alongside four lawmakers on the urgent situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the lack of debate in the lawmaking body.
Putin to hold meeting with government
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a videoconference meeting with government members to discuss upgrading regional public transport fleets. He may use the opportunity to publicly offer his assessment of the situation in the Middle East.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to give her assessments of international issues at a press briefing in Moscow. Eurasia desk will ask questions about France's decision to increase its nuclear arsenal, without disclosing its exact size, and about a new round of negotiations with Ukraine, given the conflict in Middle East.
Asian nations continue evacuation from Middle East
Asian nations continue evacuation from the Middle East as US-Israel-Iran conflict escalates. With Gulf nations hosting largest expat population from South Asia, India has said the evolving situation evokes "great anxiety." At least six people from Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal and India have been killed during the conflict.
Australian Premier Albanese hosts Canadian counterpart Carney on maiden trip
Australian Premier Anthony Albanese hosts Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, who is on maiden trip to Australia. The trip aims to boost bilateral trade ties.
Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues. Both sides have claimed casualties and heavy losses, and acknowledged civilian and military deaths.
Chinese People’s Congress holds news conference
On the eve of China’s largest political gathering, National People’s Congress (NPC) holds news conference ahead of ‘Two Sessions,’ which brings together some 5,000 deputies in Beijing. The NPC officials deliberate on agenda of the annual gathering.
THE ECONOMY
Eurozone unemployment
Eurostat to release unemployment rate data for January. In December, the rate fell to 6.2%.
US private sector employment
Market research firm ADP to share monthly private-sector employment data for the US for February. In January, the US private sector added 22,000 jobs.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Air defenses vs arsenals: How long can the US, Israel and Iran sustain war?
Report examining how long air defenses and military capacities can endure in the current conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, as sustained exchanges test stockpiles, readiness and industrial replenishment.
The story explores the durability of missile defense systems, interceptor inventories and offensive arsenals on all sides, assessing whether the conflict can be sustained for weeks or months without significant degradation in capability. It analyzes comparative strengths – including missile and drone stockpiles, air power, logistics depth and external support – while weighing factors such as resupply rates, economic strain and escalation risks.
The report features analysis from Robert Geist Pinfold of King’s College London and Ryan Bohl of the RANE Network on battlefield sustainability, strategic objectives and the military thresholds that could determine whether the conflict grinds on or shifts toward de-escalation.
Iran war risks global shock as tensions rattle trade, energy markets
Report examining how the escalating conflict between US, Israel and Iran threatens global economic stability through potential disruptions to maritime trade and energy supplies.
The story explores mounting concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. It also highlights knock-on effects for other sectors such as fertilizer markets and global agriculture, as well as OPEC’s limited capacity to offset a full halt in Iranian exports.
The report features analysis from Bryan Clark of the Hudson Institute and market analyst Noah Barrett on alternative export routes, LNG vulnerabilities, and the broader risk of sustained energy undersupply.
German students challenge new military service reforms
Report examining growing youth opposition in Germany to new military service measures that require all 18-year-old men to complete qualification questionnaires and undergo mandatory medical assessments.
The story explores the “School Strike Against Military Service” campaign, which is organizing nationwide protests on March 5, with organizers arguing that the reforms pave the way for the return of compulsory conscription and signal a broader shift toward militarization.
The report includes comments from protest spokesperson Bela Breitner, who warns of deepening militarization and social cuts, and from policy expert Martin Bieber, who contends the reforms are necessary to address Bundeswehr staffing shortages amid evolving security threats.