Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire talks

The developments of the indirect Gaza ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Doha amid Egypt, Qatar, and the US ramping up mediation efforts to resolve obstacles hindering the negotiations over a ceasefire deal.

Israeli plan for ‘humanitarian city’ for Palestinians in southern Gaza

The international and regional reactions to the Israeli plan to build what Tel Aviv calls a “humanitarian city” for Palestinians in southern Gaza.

Ultra-Orthodox party expected to withdraw from Netanyahu coalition

Developments after the United Torah Judaism party’s Degel Hatorah warning to withdraw from Netanyahu’s ruling coalition within 24 hours unless it is presented with a draft of a bill exempting yeshiva students from military service.

Situation after clashes between Bedouin tribal fighters, Druze militias in southern country

The updates on the security situation in the southern Syrian governorate of Suwayda following deadly clashes between armed Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias in the area.

July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day

Türkiye to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the July 15, 2016, defeated coup attempt orchestrated by the FETO terrorist organization.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend various events in capital Ankara to mark the day.

EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels

The Foreign Affairs Council, chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, includes agenda items on support to Ukraine, the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, the latest developments in the Middle East, and soaring migrant flow to Greece from North Africa. EU ministers are also set to have an informal exchange of views with Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, via videoconference.

Decisions regarding Israel’s association agreement are also expected, with Kallas proposing potential actions. However, a full or partial suspension of the agreement is unlikely due to political divisions among member states.

German Chancellor Merz visits Bavaria

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit the southeastern German state of Bavaria to meet with Bavarian Premier Markus Soeder. During his visit, Merz will also attend a Cabinet session of the Bavarian government. Remarks on the tightening German migration policy and practices are likely.

Reactions of Kremlin and Kyiv to Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs and Ukraine-linked arms deal

Reactions from Moscow and Kyiv will be closely followed after US President Donald Trump warned of 100% tariffs on countries doing business with Russia if no peace deal is reached in Ukraine within 50 days. During his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump also announced a weapons deal with NATO allies, who would then send arms to Ukraine.

Rutte confirmed the US decision to “massively supply” NATO states, with European nations “100% paying” for the transferred weapons.

Trump to attend innovation event in Pennsylvania

US President Donald Trump will attend a first-of-its-kind innovation summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Trump, who will be accompanied by Republican Senator Dave McCormick at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Event, is expected to announce $70 billion in AI and energy investments.

Rubio to meet with Italian counterpart

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the Department of State.

Senate hearing on possible new UN envoy

Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing to consider the nomination of Mike Waltz to be US Ambassador to the UN after Elise Stefanik’s nomination was withdrawn in March.

South Korea’s ousted president likely to be physically dragged for questioning

Special prosecutor likely to seek powers to physically drag South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol to attend questioning over his bid to impose martial law. Yoon, currently under detention for 2nd time since last December, has refused to leave his cell from Seoul Detention Centre to answer questions from the prosecutors.

Beijing holds China-Africa security forum

Beijing holds 5-day Young Leaders’ China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in eastern Nanjing city. The conference brings together over 90 military officers from more than 40 African countries, aiming to strengthen security cooperation between China and African countries.

China hosts top diplomats of Shanghai Cooperation Organization

China hosts annual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers in northern Tianjin city. Top diplomats of all 10 member nations - Pakistan, China, Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan - are participating in the huddle. A joint statement is expected at the end of the summit as participants discuss regional and global issues, including Israeli war on Gaza, Ukraine crisis, US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as well as security issues in Asia.

THE ECONOMY

China's GDP

China to announce economic growth figures for the second quarter. In the first quarter, GDP grew 1.2% on a quarterly basis.

Chinese industrial production

China to release monthly industrial production figures for June. In May, the production rose 5.8% on a yearly basis. The country will also release figures for retail sales and unemployment rate.

Eurozone industrial production

Eurostat to release monthly industrial production figures for May. In April, the output fell 2.4% month-on-month.

US consumer inflation

US to announce monthly consumer price index (CPI) figures for June. In May, the consumer prices rose 2.4% on a yearly basis.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW – No place for racism and hatred in Northern Ireland: First Minister O’Neill

Interview with Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, focusing particularly on the rise of far-right forces in the country.

O’Neill strongly condemns recent hate incidents, including a bonfire displaying effigies of refugees in a boat, calling them acts of “thuggery,” “racism,” and “hatred.” She emphasizes that such actions do not reflect the values of the broader Northern Irish community.

She also warns of the dangers of far-right misinformation online and calls for efforts to fulfill the vision of a united, equal country where everyone has a fair chance at a better life.

China’s balancing act: Will Beijing help Iran rebuild its defenses?

Report exploring the question of whether China will aid Tehran in strengthening its military systems, especially its air defenses, after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran.

The story presents views from various experts on why there is “room for cooperation” between China and Iran, while also explaining why any support would likely remain cautiously defensive and aligned with Beijing’s non-interventionist foreign policy.

The report includes comments and insights from Hongda Fan, professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University; political analyst Einar Tangen; and Yang Chen, an assistant professor at Shanghai University.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill about the rise of far-right forces in the country, which the official strongly denounces and stresses the need for concerted efforts to counter hate and racism. ​​​​​​​