ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israel seizes Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen
The developments after Israel seized the Gaza-bound vessel Madleen -- a Freedom Flotilla Coalition boat -- and detained all activists onboard before it could reach the Gaza shore, with the vessel docked at the Ashdod port.
Israel's further actions regarding the status of the detained activists, as it said will deport them to their home countries.
More international and regional reactions and updates on potential diplomatic actions, such as recalling ambassadors and official statements from human rights organizations and activists, along with updates from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Israel targeting of Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid
The Israeli army’s ongoing targeting of Palestinians near humanitarian aid distribution points under the supervision of the Israeli-American aid group known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, especially in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, where eight were killed only on Monday.
More than 130 Palestinian aid-seekers were killed and 1,000 others injured by Israeli army fire in the blockaded Gaza Strip in the last two weeks, according to Gaza authorities.
More casualties are expected, with reactions, statements, and comments from global stakeholders, humanitarian/UN organizations, or regional actors.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun visits Jordan for talks with King Abdullah
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is expected to make an official visit to Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II, according to the Lebanese Presidency, which did not disclose the duration of the visit.
The visit will include consultations on a range of issues of mutual interest, as well as discussions on current regional developments. Aoun will be accompanied by an official delegation.
Official statements from the Lebanese Presidency, Jordanian Royal Court, and joint communiques post-meeting, along with the signing of potential bilateral agreements.
Merz-Schoof meeting in Berlin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosts Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. A joint press conference is planned as part of their encounter.
3rd UN Ocean Conference continues in France
The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) takes place in Nice, attended by heads of state and government. France hosts and co-chairs the conference with Costa Rica. Around 193 governments to be represented, including 60 heads of state.
UK's asylum accommodation - Parliament select committee session
The UK's Border Security and Asylum Minister Angela Eagle gives evidence at Home Affairs Committee closing session of its inquiry into asylum accommodation. The session examines the government’s approach to the management of asylum accommodation contracts and oversight of accommodation providers, and its future strategy for the delivery of asylum accommodation.
Slovak premier to pay 2-day visit to Kazakhstan
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to pay an official visit to Kazakh capital Astana on June 10-11 at the invitation of Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The two leaders are expected to discuss prospects for expanding a Kazakh-Slovakian partnership.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged war prisoners aged under 25. The two sides are expected to hold more exchanges in the coming days, while Moscow accused Kyiv of refusing to take back bodies of fallen soldiers as was agreed in Istanbul last week. Ukraine says the exact day was not scheduled.
Trump to speak at Fort Bragg
US President Donald Trump will speak at Fort Bragg where the US Army is hosting its birthday kick-off event ahead of this weekend’s military parade in Washington, DC. Ongoing protests in Los Angeles, California, along with other high-profile developments.
US secretary of state to host top UAE diplomat
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to host UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the State Department. Meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to negotiate an agreement in Gaza, as well as a nuclear deal with Iran.
US Defense Secretary Hegseth to testify before House, Senate
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to testify before the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense, and then before the Senate.
CIA director to testify before House
CIA Director John Ratcliffe to testify before the US House Intelligence Committee on the agency’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. Ratcliffe is likely to face intense questioning on high-priority intelligence matters facing the US.
UN Security Council to address Iraq
The UN Security Council to meet for consultations on the situation in Iraq. Meeting comes amid spiraling tensions between Iraq’s central government and Kurdish authorities in the north over oil revenue sharing.
China’s top diplomat hosts officials from Africa
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosts ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the opening ceremony of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, Hunan province where different events will continue through Thursday.
Boost in defense spending expected in annual Pakistan budget
Pakistan to unveil its annual budget for the fiscal 2025-26. An increase is expected in the South Asian nation’s defense spending following recent military standoff with longtime rival India.
Chinese Foreign Ministry holds regular briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry holds regular news briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on important regional and global issues, including Israel's abduction of pro-Palestine activists, as well as vessel sailing to break the siege on Gaza.
Japanese government holds news conference
The Japanese government spokesman to hold regular news conference in Tokyo. He is expected to deliver statements on national and international issues, including the upcoming G7 meeting in Canada.
Malaysian premier hosts Polish president
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosts Polish President Andrzej Duda in Kuala Lumpur for official talks to "further strengthen" bilateral relations. Duda is on a three-day trip to the Southeast Asian nation.
THE ECONOMY
UK's unemployment rate
UK will share its unemployment rate figures for April. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.5% in March from the previous month.
Turkish Treasury's cash balance
Türkiye's Treasury Ministry will release its cash balance figures for May.
SPECIAL REPORTS
FACTBOX - Israel’s decades-long naval chokehold on aid to Gaza
Report detailing previous attempts to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, building on the most recent mission by the Madleen aid ship that Israeli forces seized in international waters.
The report details how Israel’s military has blocked past attempts by pro-Palestinian activists to bring aid to Gaza by sea, including by deadly force as seen in the 2010 Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara that claimed several lives.
The story lists several other attempts that led to attacks by Israeli forces, including the 2009 interception of the Spirit of Humanity vessel and more recent missions in 2018 and 2015.
Digital hearts, real impact: AI-driven cardiac ‘twins’ reveal hidden truths about heart disease
A report on groundbreaking research by King’s College London, Imperial College London, and The Alan Turing Institute, which created over 3,800 anatomically accurate AI-driven cardiac “digital twins” to study how age, sex, and lifestyle influence heart disease.
The study uses real patient data to challenge long-held clinical assumptions, including findings that key ECG (electrocardiogram) differences between men and women are due to anatomical size, not heart function. The story explores how this AI-powered modeling opens new doors for personalized cardiac care, early detection, and medical equity across genders and age groups.
It includes comments from Steven Niederer, chair in biomedical engineering at Imperial College London and senior author of the study, and Cristobal Rodero Gomez of the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial.
‘A lot of unease’: Experts see defense alliance at crossroads as US-Europe rift widens
The report explores the evolving dynamics of collaboration between the US, Europe, and NATO, with a focus on growing tensions that could reshape both transatlantic ties and broader global security.
The story examines the Trump administration’s latest moves, chief among them the demand for NATO members to raise defense spending, and analyzes how these shifts are impacting cohesion within the alliance.
The story outlines major statements by key US officials and how they reflect a more transactional US approach to European security commitments.
It also assesses the anticipated US troop reductions in Europe and how these changes are feeding uncertainty across the continent, with comments from Francois Heisbourg, a special advisor at France’s Foundation for Strategic Research, and Ian Brzezinski, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for Europe and NATO policy.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interviews with Ian Brzezinski, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for Europe and NATO policy, and Francois Heisbourg of France’s Foundation for Strategic Research about the future of security cooperation between the US, Europe, and NATO amid increasingly strained transatlantic ties.