Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, June 23, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Israel-Iran conflict escalates into 11th day with US airstrikes fueling tensions

Israel and Iran continue to exchange attacks for the 11th consecutive day, while the situation in the region further deteriorated after US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces carried out “very successful” airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. Iran vowed retaliation.

International and regional developments and reactions to the American strikes will be followed as many Gulf countries started taking security measures to ensure the safety of public places in light of Tehran’s potential response to the US attacks.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is expected to escalate further as military actions continue. International efforts for de-escalation and diplomacy may face significant challenges amid ongoing hostilities.

Gaza’s famine worsens under Israeli blockade as aid seekers face deadly attacks

Worsening famine in Gaza, which is driven by Israeli blockade restricting essential food and supply deliveries, as the Israeli army keeps attacking aid seekers.

Updates on attacks, including casualty figures, as well as statements from international relief organizations, and international efforts to address the crisis amid mass starvation.

International Atomic Energy Agency to hold emergency meeting

IAEA to convene emergency meeting of Board of Governors on Monday.

"In light of the urgent situation in Iran, I am convening an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors for tomorrow," Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, wrote on X on Sunday, following US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

EU Foreign Affairs Council

Foreign ministers from the European Union meet in Luxembourg. The meeting chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

Agenda includes ongoing war in Ukraine, situation in the Middle East and Libya, China and European security and the latest developments in Georgia.

Mark Rutte - press conference ahead of NATO summit

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to hold a press conference ahead of the NATO summit taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday in The Hague, The Netherlands.

EU-Canada summit

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen host summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Emmanuel Macron - Norway visit

French President Emmanuel Macron will have a two-day trip to Norway where he is expected to meet with Norwegian King Harald and Queen Sonja. He will also have a meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to enhance cooperation in security, defense, competitiveness, innovation and advanced technologies, and energy.

⁠UN press conference on health and care workers as rights defenders

UN special rapporteur on the right to health, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, will present her thematic report to the Human Rights Council, focusing on health and care workers as defenders of the right to health. WHO Director General Dr. Tedros will deliver a recorded message.

Trump meeting with national security team

US President Donald Trump to meet with his national security team after authorizing strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The strikes have increased speculation that the Iran-Israel war could quickly escalate into an even wider regional conflict.

UN Security Council meeting

UN Security Council to meet for a briefing followed by consultations on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA. Meeting comes as the Taliban continues to maintain control over war-torn nation following withdrawal of US-led international forces in 2021.

Putin to meet visiting Iranian foreign minister in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the country's capital Moscow a day after the US launched strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran. The visit was confirmed by Araghchi himself during a press conference in Istanbul on Sunday, where he said he will travel to Moscow in the coming hours and hold talks with Putin on Monday morning.

Russian foreign minister to speak at 11th Primakov Readings International Expert Forum

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to speak at the 11th Primakov Readings International Expert Forum, organized by the Yevgeny Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Lavrov will evaluate contemporary international developments and articulate the priorities of Russia’s foreign policy during his speech.

China’s Xi to host Singaporean Prime Minister Wong

China’s President Xi Jinping expected to host Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is on an official visit to China. Wong to also meet Premier Li Qiang. The two sides to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

Foreign ministry spokesperson holds news conference

China’s Foreign Ministry scheduled to hold regular news conference in Beijing during which the spokesperson is expected to deliver statements regarding the ongoing hostilities following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and comment on broader regional developments, including escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Pakistan expected to hold National Security Committee after US strikes on Iran

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to chair National Security Committee meeting in capital Islamabad to review situation after US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. It also comes after US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistani army chief Gen. Asim Munir at the White House last week.

Japanese government spokesperson holds news conference

Japanese government spokesperson holds regular news conference during which Tokyo may address the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and other regional developments. The spokesperson is also expected to comment on Japan’s decision to cancel its upcoming 2+2 level meeting with the US.

Thai-Cambodia border crisis

Monitoring developments as Thailand and Cambodia close border over territorial dispute.

Mauritius to host 3rd Africa Maritime Forces Summit

Third annual Africa Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) to kick off in Mauritius. Co-hosted by US Naval Forces Europe and Africa, US Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and the Commandant of the National Coast Guard of Mauritius, the event aims to address Africa’s key maritime security challenges.

THE ECONOMY

Foreign arrivals in Türkiye

TurkStat will release tourist arrival figures for May. In April, the arrivals rose 8% month-on-month. Total of 10.59 million foreign tourists visited Türkiye in January-April.

US existing home sales

US will share existing home sales figures for May. In May, the sales fell 0.5% month-on-month to 4 million.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW - Israel’s illegal attacks on Iran another result of Western hypocrisy: Humza Yousaf

Interview with Scotland’s former First Minister Humza Yousaf about Israel’s conflict with Iran and the need for immediate efforts toward de-escalation.

Yousaf denounces Israeli strikes on Iran as illegal and hypocritical, contrasting Western support for Israel’s “self-defense” with the denial of Iran’s right to respond to aggression. He also criticizes Western nations, including the UK, for continuing weapons support to Israel.

He calls for Iran to maintain compliance with IAEA inspections, while also urging the need for the international community to take a stronger position against Israeli aggression and push for a diplomatic solution.

INTERVIEW - Islamophobia in Germany: ‘Every second person agrees with anti-Muslim statements,’ warns rights group

Interview with Rima Hanano, co-director of the German rights group CLAIM, about rising anti-Muslim attacks and discrimination in Germany.

Hanano shares latest data and figures to present a detailed look at how Islamophobic attacks have increased in the country over past years, warning of a dangerously alarming situation where “every second person agrees with anti-Muslim statements.”

She breaks down key factors such as the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and right-wing movements, along with increasingly inflammatory political rhetoric, saying these have emboldened individuals to become more aggressive and feel justified in carrying out verbal and physical attacks against Muslims.

INTERVIEW - ‘Vulnerabilities will continue’: Why World Bank sees slower global growth ahead

Interview with Ayhan Kose, deputy chief economist at the World Bank Deputy, about growing fragilities in the global economy and their impact on growth.

Kose explains the reasons for the World Bank’s recent downgrade of global GDP forecasts, based on persistent vulnerabilities including declining investment, productivity stagnation, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

He also shares insights on other key risks such as the enduring US-China trade rivalry, rising protectionism, inflation challenges, and the fading appetite for structural reforms.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with ex-Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf about the spiraling Israel-Iran conflict, risks of a wider war, and the need for immediate efforts toward de-escalation.

VIDEO - Interview with Rima Hanano, co-director of the German rights group CLAIM, about the alarming situation of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim attacks in Germany.