Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, May 11, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

US-Iran nuclear talks

Oman is hosting the fourth round of indirect nuclear talks between the US and Iran in the capital Muscat on Sunday.

Statements from the US, Iran, and Oman are expected to follow the talks, outlining positions on key points of contention.

Gaza faces catastrophic famine and thirst as Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid continues

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has deepened, with the entire enclave effectively designated a “famine zone” amid Israel’s continuing blockade of border crossings and restrictions on aid.

Malnutrition rates among children are rising sharply, and aid groups warn of a looming surge in avoidable deaths. At the same time, Gaza is “dying of thirst,” according to the Palestinian Water Authority, with over 85% of water and sanitation infrastructure destroyed and daily water consumption dropping far below emergency thresholds.

Outbreaks of waterborne diseases are expected in the coming days, particularly among children and displaced populations, as sewage systems collapse and access to clean water disappears.

The UN and humanitarian agencies continue to press for immediate access to avert total collapse. Further updates, including translated testimonies from Arabic wire, are expected to provide deeper insight into the unfolding crisis.

⁠Escalation in Sudan as RSF continues drone attacks

Sudan’s conflict has escalated with a series of drone strikes by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including an unprecedented attack on the strategic eastern city of Port Sudan.

The growing intensity and reach of RSF assaults threaten to destabilize previously stable regions. Humanitarian aid delivery, logistics networks, and civilian access routes in eastern Sudan are now at serious risk of disruption. A forceful response from the Sudanese Armed Forces is expected, fueling concerns of a wider military confrontation.

Albanian parliamentary elections

Voters are going to the polls to elect 140 members to Albania’s parliament for four-year terms. The last elections, held in April 2021, saw Edi Rama reelected prime minister as his Socialist Party won 74 seats ahead of the Democratic Party-Alliance for Change coalition with 59. This year expatriates will be permitted to vote in elections for the first time.

Reaction to Ukraine's proposal to declare 30-day ceasefire on May 12

Reactions from Moscow will be closely watched after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said his country is ready to declare a 30-day ceasefire with Russia starting Monday.

The proposal was agreed on at Saturday's meeting of the leaders of Germany, France, Poland, the UK, and Ukraine in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and coordinated with US President Donald Trump over the phone.

Pakistan-India de-escalate tensions after US-mediated ceasefire

Following developments after Pakistan and India reached US-mediated ceasefire. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors peaked after Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes inside Indian territory, following a series of Indian airstrikes that killed dozens of civilians in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. At least 21 people were killed along the Line of Control in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Chilean president pays visit to Japan

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric pays state visit to Japan. He is scheduled to meet with Japanese Premier Shigeru Ishiba during his visit. Furthering bilateral ties is expected to be discussed during the meeting.

Candidates register for snap presidential poll in South Korea

Registration for snap presidential candidate concludes, finalizing the list of contenders for the June 3 snap election. While opposition Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung is leading almost all polls, ruling conservative People Power Party has witnessed internal discord after its interim leadership tried to displace Kim Moon-soo as its candidate with former Premier Han Duck-soo.

US, Chinese officials talk tariffs in Switzerland

US and Chinese officials to discuss tariffs in Switzerland in what would be the first publicly announced meeting between the world’s top two economies since US President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff announcement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng to represent Washington and Beijing, respectively.