Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israel-Iran ceasefire becomes effective

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect Tuesday following hours of intensified hostilities during which Iran launched six waves of missile attacks targeting Israeli territory.

The Israeli army confirmed that a total of 11 missiles were fired in six successive waves from Iran in the hours leading up to the ceasefire.

The Israeli emergency medical service said at least six people were killed and 15 injured after a rocket struck a residential building in the southern city of Beersheba. Explosions were also reported in Tel Aviv and central Israel, Israeli media said.

Iranian media also confirmed the start of the ceasefire, stating it came into effect after the "final salvos" of missile fire.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority and military radio earlier reported that the ceasefire had begun, while Israeli officials continued to refrain from formal comment.

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

The developments as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens amid the ongoing Israeli blockade that severely restricts food and medical supplies, pushing the population towards famine. Aid seekers attempting to access relief face deadly attacks, exacerbating the suffering amid scarce resources.

Expectations for urgent international intervention grow, but access remains limited due to ongoing security concerns and military operations. The worsening famine threatens to escalate the humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

Turkish president heading to NATO summit

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will depart from Ankara to attend a NATO summit in the Netherlands, where he will also hold bilateral meetings with several heads of state and government.

NATO leaders summit in The Hague

Leaders from NATO members gather in the Hague, the Netherlands. The gathering will be the first NATO summit attended by Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz. US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also be among those who attend, while NATO chief Mark Rutte has confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to the summit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung and New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon -- the Indo-Pacific Four -- are all invited to the summit. The situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as the alliance members’ military spendings, are expected to be discussed.

NATO Public Forum starts

The NATO Public Forum, a public event jointly organized by NATO and the government of the Netherlands with civil society organizations, to start, parallel to the NATO leaders summit. Alliance chief Rutte to give an opening speech.

German Chancellor Merz to address German parliament

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address lawmakers on the government’s foreign policy ahead of NATO leaders summit.

UNRWA’s Lazzarini in Berlin

Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), will hold talks in Germany about the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, amid Israel's ongoing military campaign.

Macron's Norway visit concludes

French President Emmanuel Macron will conclude 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 the areas of security, defense, competitiveness, innovation and advanced technologies, and energy.

UN agencies to hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva

The UN service reveals its agenda shortly before the briefing, with the focus to be based on this agenda.

Trump in the Netherlands

US President Donald Trump will depart the White House for the Netherlands where he will take part in the NATO leaders summit. Trump will also greet the king and queen of the Netherlands shortly after arrival.

CENTCOM commander nominee to face Senate panel

US Senate Committee on Armed Services to hold a hearing to consider the nominations of Vice Adm. Charles Cooper II to be admiral and commander of the US Central Command. Cooper is likely to face questions on the US strikes on Iran over the weekend.

US House and Senate to receive briefing on Iran

US representatives and senators are set to receive briefings on the conflict between Israel and Iran. The briefing was scheduled ahead of US strikes on Iran over the weekend. Briefers are expected to include Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

UN Security Council to discuss nonproliferation, Libya

UN Security Council to meet in the afternoon to discuss non-proliferation after Israel and the US carried out a series of strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, with the future of Iran’s compliance with international inspection now in question. The council will hold a morning session to discuss Libya.

Reactions to Zelenskyy's potential visit to The Hague amid upcoming NATO summit

Reactions from Moscow and Kyiv as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit The Hague amid NATO summit on June 24-25. As part of his potential visit, which has yet to be officially confirmed, Zelenskyy is expected to hold talks with NATO and European leaders. According to Politico, Zelenskyy has only been invited only to the summit’s opening dinner on Tuesday.

Russian foreign minister to conduct official visit to Turkmenistan

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to undertake a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan, where he will hold talks with his counterpart Rashid Meredov and President Serdar Berdimuhammedov. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the talks will deliberate on forthcoming highest and high-level political engagements, the development of bilateral relations, and exchanges on regional dynamics, the global situation, and mutual collaboration.

Laotian foreign minister to begin official visit to Russia

Laotian Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith to begin a five-day visit to Russia, where he will take part in various meetings, including talks with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on June 26. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the parties will review the current state and future of their bilateral partnership, with an emphasis on deals made in 2024. Special focus will also be directed to intensifying coordination on international and regional matters between Russia and Laos.

China hosts 'Summer Davos' in Tianjin

China hosts annual meeting of the new champions, also known as ‘Summer Davos,’ in the northern city of Tianjin. The meeting on innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable, inclusive growth runs through June 26 and attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Foreign delegates include Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Chinese Foreign Ministry holds briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry 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 in the Middle East as well as NATO summit in the Netherlands.

Top Chinese lawmakers meet to discuss maritime law

Top Chinese lawmakers meet to discuss maritime law during the 16th session of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee in Beijing. Presided over by Chairman Zhao Leji, the meeting will review draft revisions to several key laws, including the Maritime Law, Public Security Administrative Penalty Law, Fisheries Law, and Civil Aviation Law.

China to unveil plans for marking 80th anniversary of victory against Japan

China’s State Council Information Office holds news conference to announce plans to mark 80th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression and the end of World War II.

Japanese government holds news conference

Japanese government spokesperson holds regular news conference in Tokyo. The spokesman is expected to discuss situation in the Middle East as well as the NATO summit in the Netherlands. The spokesman is also expected to react to record loss of ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo elections.

Thai-Cambodia border crisis

Developments as Thailand and Cambodia close border over territorial dispute. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the country will only open border if Thailand does the same.

UAE-Pakistan hold 1st joint ministerial commission after 13 years

The United Arab Emirates and Pakistan hold first Joint Ministerial Commission in Abu Dhabi after a hiatus of 13 years. The two sides to hold complete review of bilateral relations besides discussions on regional issues.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's capacity utilization

Turkish Central Bank will share manufacturing sector's capacity utilization rate for June. In May, the rate rose 0.5 points to 75.1.

German business climate

Market research firm Ifo will release its business climate index figures for June. In May, the index rose 0.6 points to 87.5.

US consumer confidence

The Conference Board will release its consumer confidence index figures for June. In May, the index rose by 12.3 points to 95.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER – NATO summit: What’s on the agenda for crucial gathering?

Report on the high-stakes summit of NATO leaders set to kick off in The Hague on Tuesday, coming at a time of intense geopolitical tensions around the globe.

The story will detail the key agenda items for the meeting, ranging from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to the mercurial foreign policies of US President Donald Trump and his administration’s tensions with the transatlantic allies.

The report will present the major statements made over recent days by NATO leaders to shed light on the possible stance of various countries on the main topics, including on the hot-button issue of increased defense spending.

‘Driven by hubris’: Netanyahu gambling on Iran war to save political future, say experts

Report exploring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s motivations for the escalation with Iran, which many observers view as yet another attempt to salvage his political future.

The story examines Netanyahu’s underlying motives for attacking Iran, ranging from political survival and coalition tensions to personal hubris. It lays out how and why experts are seeing Netanyahu’s actions as a dangerously destabilizing force for the wider Middle East.

The report includes interviews with various regional and international experts, including Israeli analysts and academics Ori Goldberg and Neve Gordon.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Report on the high-stakes NATO summit to be held in The Hague, outlining the key agenda items, including transatlantic tensions under the Trump administration and spiraling conflicts around the globe.