ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israel, Iran exchange strikes for 5th day with rising casualties
The developments as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, reaching a dangerous new phase, with Israeli warplanes expanding their assault deep into Iranian territory and Iran launching retaliatory missile strikes on Israel.
At least 224 people have been killed in Iran, with over 1,000 wounded since early Friday, while Iranian attacks have claimed 24 Israeli lives and injured hundreds.
Israel continues targeting Palestinians that seek humanitarian aid amid growing famine
The developments as the Israeli army continues to target Palestinians near humanitarian aid distribution points under the supervision of the Israeli-American aid group known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation amid deep humanitarian crisis.
At least 300 Palestinians were killed and over 2,650 injured near aid distribution sites since May 27, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
More casualties are expected as the situation unfolds, with global and regional actors likely to issue urgent responses. The escalation further complicates the deepening famine in Gaza, raising alarm among humanitarian agencies.
EU foreign ministers to hold video conference on Iran-Israel conflict
Foreign ministers from EU member states to discuss the latest situation in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict in a video conference session.
RUSI Land Warfare conference-UK defense secretary speaks
The annual conference hosted by the Royal United Services Institute. Speakers on the opening day include UK Defense Secretary John Healey.
Work of the UK Foreign Office - Lammy at select committee session
UK Foreign Affairs Committee session on the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Witness is Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Islamophobia report
The European Islamophobia Report to be discussed at a panel led by the UK's Labour MP Afzal Khan.
Report on Islamophobic incidents in Germany
Rights group CLAIM will release its annual report on anti-Muslim attacks and incidents of discrimination in Germany during 2024.
UN agencies to hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva
The UN service to reveal its agenda shortly before the briefing.
Sudan fact-finding briefing
Update on the situation in Sudan by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission.
2nd Central Asia-China summit to be held in Astana
Leaders from Central Asian countries and China will convene in the Kazakh capital Astana for the second Central Asia-China summit, to be held ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Kazakhstan.
The summit, with the first edition held in May 2023, is expected to focus on advancing cooperation in political, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian areas between China and the five Central Asian nations.
Russia’s security chief pays trip to North Korea
Russia’s security chief Sergey Shoygu pays trip to Pyongyang to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This is Shoygu's second trip to Pyongyang in less than two weeks, visiting last time on June 4.
Indonesian delegation to arrive in Russia for talks with counterparts
An Indonesian delegation led by President Prabowo Subianto to arrive in the Russian capital Moscow on a two-day visit, where he will meet with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. The visit, conducted on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Russia-Indonesia ties, will reportedly include talks between the two leaders on the latest global developments and issues of common concerns.
Prabowo is expected to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, which will begin on June 18, during the visit as well. Separately, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono is also scheduled to hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on June 17.
Middle East tension
Developments after US President Donald Trump called for Tehran’s 10 million residents to evacuate amid the tit-for-tat attacks between Israel and Iran, with speculation that the US may join the fray on Tel Aviv’s behalf.
Menendez to report to prison
Former US Sen. Bob Menendez to report to prison after being found guilty of bribery and corruption on July 16, 2024, to begin his 11-year sentence. He was found to have received bribes in exchange for helping businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
UN Security Council to discuss Syria
UN Security Council meets for a briefing on the Middle East followed by consultations on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria.
New Zealand’s premier pays official visit to China
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon pays four-day official visit to China. He is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as other Chinese leaders for comprehensive discussions on China-New Zealand relations, along with international and regional matters of shared interest. This marks Luxon's 1st trip to China since assuming office in 2023.
Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing, with expected statements on Israeli war on Iran, trade ties with the US, war on Gaza, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Japanese government to hold news conference
The Japanese government spokesman to hold regular news conference in Tokyo. The spokesman is expected to deliver statements on national and international issues such as Israeli war on Iran and the G7 summit in Canada with Japanese Premier Shigeru Ishiba’s attendance.
THE ECONOMY
Japan’s interest rate
The Bank of Japan will release its interest rate decision. The existing rate is 0.5%.
US retail sales
The US will share retail sales figures for May. They rose by 5.1% year-on-year in April. The country will also release industrial production data for May.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Climate change on trial: Can lawsuits against corporations expedite justice?
Report on the rising wave of climate litigation targeting major polluters, building on the recent landmark case of a Peruvian farmer who sued a German energy giant over carbon emissions linked to glacier melt threatening his village.
The story compiles various such cases filed by individuals and climate groups around the world, including in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and other regions that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
The report examines the legal, scientific, and symbolic weight of such cases, with insights from Miriam Saage-Maass, legal director at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, and Joy Reyes, a policy officer with the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Hagia Sophia: How Türkiye is protecting ‘heart of Istanbul’ from quake threat
Report on the restoration of Istanbul’s famed Hagia Sophia aimed at protecting the iconic landmark from future earthquakes.
The report explains the restoration efforts underway at the centuries-old structure, which include seismic simulations, reinforcement of dome connections, and a broader plan to safeguard both the monument and its surrounding structures.
The story includes interviews with architectural expert Hasan Firat Diker and cultural heritage expert Ilknur Turkoglu, who speak about the importance of the current restoration efforts and the progress made so far.