Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israel-Iran ceasefire following 12 days of conflict

The latest developments in the present ceasefire between Iran and Israel, after 12 days of conflict brokered by US President Donald Trump, who announced the achievement of a full ceasefire agreement following an Iranian attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

The ceasefire is expected to bring a temporary reduction in hostilities, though renewed tensions and sporadic violations are anticipated as both parties test the agreement's limits. Continued international pressure and dialogue are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining stability and preventing further escalation.

Famine grips Gaza amid Israeli blockade and deadly attacks on aid seekers

The latest situation in Gaza, where people are facing an escalating humanitarian crisis while the Israeli blockade continues to impede the flow of critical aid, pushing the population toward famine.

The international community is expected to intensify calls for the immediate lifting of the blockade and the establishment of secure humanitarian corridors. Without urgent intervention, the situation is anticipated to deteriorate further, leading to more deaths and exacerbating the humanitarian disaster.

NATO leaders' summit concludes

NATO leaders gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, for a summit. The two-day summit will conclude with a press conference by Secretary General Mark Rutte. The gathering marks the first NATO summit attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan both attend.

NATO Public Forum concludes

The NATO Public Forum, a public event jointly organized by NATO and the government of the Netherlands with civil society organizations, will conclude. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles to speak.

UK deputy prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.

Trump at NATO

US President Donald Trump will attend the NATO leaders' summit in The Hague. The US president is expected to attend a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the international gathering before holding a press conference.

UN Security Council to address children in armed conflict

The UN Security Council will convene in the morning for a session on effective strategies to end and prevent grave violations against children. The Security Council is expected to address the secretary-general’s report on the matter.

UN General Assembly to address prevention of genocide

The UN General Assembly will convene for a session on the responsibility to protect, and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will address the body.

Press Briefing

The United Nations is to hold a press briefing.

Russian foreign minister to meet Turkmen president, counterpart

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is to meet with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his counterpart, Rashid Meredov, during a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan, which began on Tuesday.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov's visit will include discussions on a wide array of bilateral issues, an exchange of views on regional affairs, and an analysis of the current global situation, as part of which both countries' foreign ministers are set to sign a cooperation program between their departments for 2025–2026.

Kenyan youth to hold protests, memorials on anniversary of deadly 2024 finance bill unrest

Kenya is planning a nationwide Gen Z-led protest and memorial to commemorate the first anniversary of the dramatic anti-Finance Bill demonstrations on June 25, 2024, which resulted in the storming of parliament, police gunfire, and over 60 deaths in the East African country.

China hosts summit of SCO defense chiefs

China will host defense chiefs from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. It would be the first time Pakistani and Indian defense ministers had clashed since the worst hostilities last month.

North Korea likely reacts to Cabinet nominations in South Korea

North Korea is expected to respond to South Korea's Cabinet nominations by President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul. Lee nominated 11 ministers, including the first civilian defense minister in over 60 years, as well as a unification minister who sets inter-Korean policy.

ASEAN holds AI summit in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia will host the ASEAN Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is the current ASEAN chair.

Foreign ministry holds briefing in Beijing

China's Foreign Ministry will hold its regular news conference in Beijing, during which the spokesperson is expected to address the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Iran, as well as the NATO summit in the Netherlands. Beijing is also likely to respond to Tokyo's protest against China's activities in the East China Sea.

THE ECONOMY

US new home sales

The US will release new home sales figures for May. In April, the sales rose 10.9% to 743,000 units. Markets expect the figure to fall to 694,000 in May.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW—Iran-Israel ceasefire, if maintained, could refocus attention on Gaza’s plight: UNRWA chief

Interview with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini about the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing genocidal war.

Lazzarini speaks about how a sustained Iran-Israel ceasefire could help bring back international attention to the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza. He speaks about the deadly impacts of Israel’s blockade of aid and UNRWA’s work under deadly conditions, calling for an immediate ceasefire and full access for humanitarian agencies.

He also denounces the aid operations of the widely criticized Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, calling it an “abomination” and a “death trap,” highlighting the growing number of aid seekers killed by Israeli forces.

INTERVIEW—Boycat founder pushes for global ethical economy rooted in Islamic values

Interview with Adil Abbuthalha, the founder of Boycat, an app that started as a boycott tracker in support of the Palestinian cause and is evolving into a platform to help build an independent, ethical economy led by Muslim communities.

He details how Boycott has shifted over $90 million away from Israeli-linked brands, faced shutdown threats, and is now working to create a global network of alternative businesses.

Abbuthalha also shares his views on Muslims taking the lead on ethical consumerism, covering issues from Palestine to climate change, emphasizing the opportunities for social impact and a potential decision-making role in the global digital economy.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO—Interview with UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israel continues its genocidal war, including comments on the Iran-Israel conflict and strong condemnation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.