Diary

ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, June 20, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

⁠Israel and Iran exchange strikes and threats for 8th day amid growing escalation

Latest developments as Israel and Iran continue to trade attacks for eight days, amid Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting specific sites in Israeli cities, while Israeli Defense Minister Katz threatened to eliminate Iran’s supreme leader.

Further escalation is anticipated as the US is expected to consider possible military options against Iran’s nuclear sites. Diplomatic efforts, including a planned Geneva meeting, aim to de-escalate tensions and prevent a broader regional conflict.

⁠Israeli forces shoot Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza, killing dozens

Latest developments as the Israeli forces have continued to open fire on Palestinians gathering near humanitarian aid distribution points managed by the Israeli and American-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis.

Casualties are expected to rise as tensions persist, prompting urgent reactions from international and regional actors. This violence intensifies the deepening famine in Gaza, alarming aid organizations and heightening calls for diplomatic intervention.

Iranian Foreign Minister to meet European counterparts in Geneva

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy amid conflict between Iran and Israel. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas is also due to take part.

The meeting is expected to focus on de-escalation efforts and the resumption of nuclear negotiations. The outcome of these talks could influence the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Mattei plan for Africa - Giorgia Meloni and Ursula von der Leyen co-chair Rome event

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen co-chair event, titled The Mattei plan for Africa and Global Gateway: A common effort with the African Continent.

German foreign minister to address security conference

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will deliver a keynote address at the Kiel Security Conference 2025, themed Stormy Seas and Silver Linings: New Realities in the Baltic and Beyond.

Turkish president to receive Armenian premier, attend OIC Youth Forum

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to receive Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Presidential Dolmabahce Working Office in Istanbul. Erdogan is also due to attend Organization of Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum to be held at the Halic University Congress Hall in Istanbul.

UN agencies to hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva

UN agencies will hold their bi-weekly media briefing in Geneva.

Putin to speak at plenary session of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin to take part in the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where he will also deliver a speech.

The speech is expected to include primarily economic and trade issues concerning Russia and the world, and may also touch on regional and global matters, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the escalation between Iran and Israel. The plenary session will also feature speeches from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Deputy Premier of China's State Council Ding Xuexiang and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

West Africa Economic Summit to kick off in Nigeria

The two-day West Africa Economic Summit 2025 (WAES 2025) to begin in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. WAES 2025 will bring together leaders, policymakers, and commercial stakeholders from across West Africa under the theme “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region.”

Following political crisis in Thailand amid border dispute with Cambodia

Following political developments in Thailand over border dispute with Cambodia. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under fire over a leaked audio with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, following which a major coalition ally of Paetongtarn has withdrawn from the government. Many are seeking resignation of Paetongtarn, who has since apologized over the conversation with Hun.

North Korea likely to deliver statement on rocket launches

North Korea is likely to deliver statement on its rocket launches following joint drill by the US, Japan and South Korea. The rocket launch from near capital Pyongyang is first such weapons use by North Korea since Lee Jae Myung was elected president of South Korea earlier this month. Lee has vowed to restore political trust and dialogue with Pyongyang.

Chinese Foreign Ministry holds media briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold media briefing in Beijing. The ministry is likely to deliver statements on Israeli war on Iran and Gaza, trade ties with the US, situation on Korean Peninsula remain at top of agenda.

Japanese government holds news conference

Japanese government spokesperson holds regular news conference in Tokyo. The spokesperson is expected to deliver statements on national and international issues including Israeli war on Iran.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's consumer confidence

TurkStat to share consumer confidence index figures for Junes. In May, the confidence rose by 0.9 points to 84.8.

Germany's producer prices

Destatis to release producer inflation figures for May. In April, producer prices fell 0.9% year-on-year. Markets expect them to fall further to 1.2% in May.

UK retail sales

UK to announce retail sales figures for May. In April, the sales rose 1.2% on a monthly basis. Markets expect them to fall by 0.5% in May.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘More than a crisis’: Refugee protection falters as displacement hits grim record

Report on the global refugee crisis and how it continues to worsen as the world marks World Refugee Day.

The story presents a snapshot of the massive scale of worldwide refugee movement with latest data and figures, and delves into how refugee protection is crumbling under mounting challenges, including growing political hostility, shrinking aid budgets, and hardening borders.

The report includes interviews with Eujin Byun, spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, and Nirvana Shawky of the Danish Refugee Council, who call for a humanitarian reset and urge the international community to recommit to refugee rights, protection, and dignity.

Europe’s rising Islamophobia: ‘Free speech’ used to dismiss Muslim concerns, say experts

Report on the rising tide of Islamophobia across Europe in the wake of Israel’s ongoing genocidal war on Gaza, examining how free speech narratives are being used to dismiss Muslim concerns.

The story charts the post-Oct. 7, 2023 surge in anti-Muslim hatred and political silencing across the UK, Denmark, and France. It examines how state policies, media narratives, and public discourse are reinforcing an entrenched climate of Islamophobia, turning a long-standing trend into a new and dangerous norm.

The report includes insights from Aristotle Kallis, professor of modern and contemporary history at the UK’s Keele University; academic and sociologist Amani Hassani; and Kawtar Najib, a UK-based academic and expert on Islamophobia.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with Eujin Byun, spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, and Nirvana Shawky of the Danish Refugee Council, about the global refugee crisis and efforts needed to address the worsening situation.

VIDEO - Interviews with scholars and academics Aristotle Kallis, Amani Hassani, and Kawtar Najib about the rising tide of Islamophobia across Europe and how free speech narratives are being used to dismiss Muslim concerns.