ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, June 16, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israel, Iran exchange strikes for 4th day; attacks deepen with rising casualties
Developments as Israeli warplanes expand their assault deep into Iranian territory, with the latest airstrike targeting a refueling aircraft at Mashhad Airport—over 2,300 kilometers from Israel.
In response, Israel reported a new wave of missile attacks from Iran on Sunday amid reports of at least 13 people killed and more than 370 others injured in Iranian attacks since Friday.
Meanwhile, according to the Iranian Health Ministry, at least 224 people were killed and over 1,000 others injured in Iran since the Israeli attacks started on Friday.
Further Israeli airstrikes deep inside Iran are likely, with Tehran expected to escalate its retaliation if high-profile targets are hit.
Regional states may step up airspace restrictions and military readiness, while international actors—particularly the UN, EU, and Gulf mediators—are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent broader regional conflict.
Famine deepens in Gaza as Israel continues strikes on aid seekers
Updates as Israel continues to target Palestinians near humanitarian aid distribution points, including those overseen by the Israeli-American aid group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry on Sunday, over 300 Palestinians have been killed and more than 2,649 injured near aid sites since May 27.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is expected to deteriorate rapidly, with aid deliveries increasingly disrupted and famine conditions worsening. International relief organizations are likely to demand emergency intervention to restore safe access to food, water, and medical assistance.
Reactions to Israel-Iran conflict
Monitoring reactions from the US and UN as Israel and Iran continue to trade attacks.
G7 summit in Canada
Group of 7 nations and their allies from around the world will convene for a summit in Alberta in Western Canada. Leaders are expected to address a wide range of issues, including Middle East conflict, wildfires, the economy and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Trump to meet Carney
US President Donald Trump is expected to sit down with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The meeting comes amid ongoing trade disputes sparked by Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports, and his desire to make Canada the 51st American state.
Brussels church hunger strike for Gaza
Located in the center of Brussels, the Beguinage Church will open its doors to those participating in a hunger strike for "Justice for Palestine" under the leadership of Pastor Daniel Alliet from June 16 to 21. The 81-year-old pastor of the church, Alliet, will also join the hunger strike.
UN Human Rights Council meeting
The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council will be held in Geneva from June 16 to July 9. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will present his annual report.
UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Conference
The 62nd session of The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will begin. The conference to end on June 26.
European Parliament plenary session
Council and Commission to give statements on Russia-Ukraine war.
UK select committee session on Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Foreign Affairs Committee session on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Witnesses are representatives from Medicins Sans Frontiers, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Zelenskyy's visit to Austria
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Austria's capital Vienna for a working visit. According to Austrian media reports, Zelenskyy is expected to hold talks with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. Discussions are likely to focus on bilateral cooperation and support for Kyiv amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Chinese president to begin state visit to Kazakhstan
Chinese President Xi Jinping to arrive in Kazakhstan for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to Kazakhstan's presidential press service, Xi's visit is expected to include a bilateral summit aimed at deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Top Russian diplomat to meet WHO's regional director for Europe
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge in Moscow. According to Russia's Foreign Ministry, the agenda for the talks will focus on key aspects of Russia’s collaboration with WHO and its regional office, including prospects for deepening this cooperation across the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Particular attention is expected to be given to WHO reform in light of the pressing challenges facing global healthcare, according to the ministry.
3rd group of South African troops expected to return from DR Congo
The third group of South African troops, deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is expected to return to South Africa. The South African troops were part of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) peacekeeping mission in Congo. The SADC terminated the mandate of the peacekeepers in early March and began to withdraw its troops the following month.
Indonesian President Prabowo visits Singapore
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to visit Singapore for talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The two are scheduled to review and enhance bilateral ties.
Reactions to Israeli war on Iran
Monitoring official statements and public reactions from Asia-Pacific nations in response to the ongoing Israeli military offensive against Iran, which killed at least 128 people and injured 900 others. The conflict escalated following Iran's missile retaliation, which killed over a dozen people in Israel.
Newly elected South Korean President Lee embarks on 1st overseas trip
South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung embarks on first overseas trip since winning snap elections on June 03. Lee to attend G7 summit in Canada and engage in bilateral talks with participating world leaders. His office emphasized the summit as a platform to showcase South Korea’s return to democratic stability after recent political turmoil.
Japanese Premier Ishiba to meet Trump at G7 summit in Canada
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to meet US President Donald Trump during his 4-day visit to Canada to attend G7 summit. The longtime allies, Japan and the US, have been pushing ministerial tariff negotiations to reach an agreement.
Foreign Ministry holds briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on Israeli war on Iran, trade ties with the US, war on Gaza and situation on Korean Peninsula.
Japanese government holds news conference
Japanese government spokesman holds regular news conference in Tokyo. The spokesman is expected to deliver statements on national and international issues such as Israeli war on Iran, and G7 summit in Canada being attended by Japanese Premier Shigeru Ishiba.
Turkish president chairs Cabinet meeting
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.
Türkiye to attend summit in Albania
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a summit of heads of state and government of the Southeast European Cooperation Process in Tirana, Albania.
THE ECONOMY
China’s unemployment
China will share unemployment figures for May. The country will also share industrial production data.
Türkiye’s current account
Türkiye will release current account balance data for April. It posted a deficit of around $4 billion in March. The country will also release budget balance table.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW – ‘Criminal’ Israel strikes on Iran risk nuclear catastrophe for generations: Andrew Feinstein
Interview with Andrew Feinstein, a prominent activist, commentator and UK-based politician, about the spiraling escalation between Israel and Iran.
Feinstein sounds the alarm over Israel’s targeting of Iranian nuclear sites, warning that the attacks risk a catastrophe that could have a devastating impact on people in those areas for generations to come.
He also speaks about the UK’s historical role in the issue, mentioning the 1953 coup that overthrew the Mosaddegh government and calling Britain “one of the main reasons” for political instability in the Middle East.
Tanzania’s forgotten herbalists fight for recognition
Report on the overlooked role of Tanzania’s herbalists providing health care in underserved regions, treating ailments from malaria to infertility with generations-old remedies.
The report explores their impact across remote areas, growing engagement with biomedical researchers at institutions like Muhimbili University, and the tensions between Indigenous knowledge and official recognition.
It also highlights licensing challenges, fears of exploitation, and the fading transmission of this heritage as younger Tanzanians pursue urban futures, with interviews and comments from healers, activists, and government officials.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with Andrew Feinstein, a prominent activist, commentator and former South African politician, about the spiraling escalation between Israel and Iran, the risks of a wider war, and the dangers of a nuclear disaster.