Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, June 21, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠ Israel and Iran exchange strikes and threats for 9th day amid growing escalation

The developments as Israel and Iran continue to exchange attacks on the ninth consecutive day after the latest Iranian missile and drone strikes have targeted specific sites in Israeli cities, with the most recent attack on northern Israel’s Haifa injuring at least 30 people.

While the military conflict escalates, there is hope that ongoing diplomatic talks, including the Geneva meeting, will pave the way for de-escalation. However, with the US considering possible military strikes and both sides exchanging attacks, the risk of wider regional conflict persists.

⁠Israeli forces kill dozens of Palestinians seeking aid amid Gaza’s worsening hunger crisis

Israeli troops continue to target Palestinians gathered around aid distribution centers operated by the Israeli-American Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, further deepening the already critical humanitarian situation.

As tensions escalate, casualties are likely to increase, drawing urgent concern from international and regional stakeholders. This violence exacerbates the severe famine gripping Gaza, prompting aid groups to call for immediate diplomatic efforts.

51st session of OIC foreign ministers' council to be held in Istanbul

The 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, is held in Istanbul. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend the session.

Turkish president to meet with Iranian foreign minister, officials from several other countries

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to hold meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, UN Alliance of Civilizations High Representative Miguel Angel Moratinos, UN agency for Palestinian refugees Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir.

Palestine Solidarity Campaign holds demonstration in UK

Palestine Solidarity Campaign holds National March for Palestine, themed End The Genocide – Stop Arming Israel – Stop Starving Gaza. The route starts at Russell Square and ends at Whitehall in London.

Remarks on possible 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Possible Remarks from both Moscow and Kyiv, as expectations grow for a third round of direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine must “accept the new realities” and indicated that Moscow is awaiting Kyiv’s response to a memorandum outlining Russia’s position. He also underlined that recent humanitarian agreements had laid the groundwork for further diplomatic progress.

West Africa Economic Summit to continue in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other African presidents are expected to deliver speeches at the two-day West Africa Economic Summit 2025 (WAES 2025) that began in the Nigerian capital Abuja on Friday. WAES 2025 brought together leaders, policymakers, and commercial stakeholders from across West Africa to discuss ways to improve prosperity, trade, and investments in the region.

Top UN official visits quake-hit Myanmar

UN chief’s deputy Jorge Moreira da Silva visits quake-hit regions of Myanmar. Da Silva meets with affected communities and responders following the March 28 earthquake which killed nearly 4,000 people.

Political crisis in Thailand over border issue with Cambodia

Political developments in Thailand after a government ally withdrew over border tensions with Cambodia.