ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israel and Iran exchange strikes and threats for 6th day as casualties rise
Latest developments as Israel and Iran continued trading strikes for a sixth consecutive day, marking a dangerous escalation in their conflict. Israeli warplanes targeted deep sites inside Iran, including nuclear facilities and high-ranking military officials, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Rhetoric has intensified between the two sides, with Israel’s defense minister warning Iran’s supreme leader to remember the fate of Saddam Hussein, the late Iraqi leader.
With no signs of de-escalation, a regional spillover is expected if Iran activates its allies in Lebanon, Iraq, or Yemen. Diplomatic channels remain under heavy strain, while global powers urge immediate restraint. The next hours are expected to be critical in determining whether the conflict stabilizes or escalates into a full-scale regional war.
Israeli strikes on aid seekers in Gaza kill dozens amid worsening famine
Developments as Israeli army continues to target Palestinians near humanitarian aid distribution points under the supervision of controversial Israeli-American aid group amid deep humanitarian crisis.
Nearly 400 were killed and over 3,000 were 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.
European Parliament
The European Parliament’s plenary session continues, with the body due to debate the upcoming NATO summit and as well as “Stopping the genocide in Gaza: Time for EU sanctions.”
German Chancellor Merz to meet state premiers
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to meet premiers of federal states to discuss issues of migration, economic growth initiatives, energy policy, and security matters.
Report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory in Geneva
Release of the latest report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.
Press briefing with Iran’s envoy for UN correspondents
Briefing with Iranian ambassador to UN in Geneva.
UK deputy premier to face questions from lawmakers
British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is expected to take questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.
Turkish President Erdogan to lead AK Party parliamentary group meeting
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will lead a parliamentary group meeting of his Justice and Development (AK) Party.
Putin to meet representatives of international news agencies
Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with representatives of international news agencies on sidelines of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
According to presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the meeting will be held in a Q&A format and will be devoted to current domestic and foreign issues as well as key international events.
Anadolu Agency will be represented at the meeting by its president and CEO Serdar Karagoz.
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to start
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, hosted by Russian city of the same name, to start, set to run through June 21.
The forum, with the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World,” will feature more than 150 sessions, and will gather about 20,000 representatives from 140 countries, according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.
The forum will be attended by government officials and politicians from about 50 countries, with its plenary session on June 20 to be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin to meet head of BRICS New Development Bank
Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet head of the BRICS New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff in St. Petersburg on sidelines of international economic forum.
According to presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the meeting will discuss the bank's strategy, as well as prospects for strengthening the international positions of the bank itself and increasing its operational activity in countries of the Global South.
Meeting is also expected to sum up the results of Russia's presidency of BRICS in 2024, which the Eurasia desk will follow via official statements, media reports, and live broadcasts, if available.
Taiwan to hold special meeting on national security
Taiwan holding a special meeting on national security. The island’s leader William Lai Ching-te has invited all political leaders for a closed door meeting amid persistent tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Hong Kong hosting 1st major exhibit of Islamic artifacts
Hong Kong is hosting its first major Islamic artifacts exhibit containing pieces from the 10th to the 19th centuries from the Safavid dynasty, Mughal Empire, and Ottoman Empire.
Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing including expected statements on Iran-Israeli conflict, trade ties with the US, war on Gaza, and situation on Korean Peninsula.
Namibia to host inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit
Namibia to host inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit, alongside Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting, the first time the flagship events will be held on African soil. Cabinet ministers and investors from all 53 Commonwealth member states will discuss the impact of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade and the value of assets such as critical minerals to the global economy.
THE ECONOMY
UK inflation
UK to release consumer price index for May. In April it was at 3.5% on a yearly basis. Markets expect it to ease to 3.3% in May.
Eurozone inflation
Eurostat will release consumer prices index for May. In April it was at 2.2% on a yearly basis. Markets expect it to slow to 1.9% in May.
Fed interest rate
The US Fed will release its latest interest rate decision. The current rate is at 4.5%. Markets expect no rate cut.
SPECIAL REPORTS
FACTBOX – Iran’s nuclear sites and risk of disaster in conflict with Israel
Explainer on Iran’s nuclear sites and facilities that have been attacked by Israel during the ongoing escalation.
Report presents overview of Iran’s major nuclear facilities and their operations, and provides a picture of the damage inflicted so far by Israeli strikes.
Story also dives into the risks posed by Israeli attacks, with insights into what a potential disaster could mean, particularly the risk of contamination and nuclear radiation.
Zimbabwe struggles to stop creeping rot in public hospitals
Report on myriad problems plaguing Zimbabwe’s crumbling public health sector and their impact on the public.
Story explains how Zimbabwe’s collapsing public health system is leaving patients untreated, unfed, and hopeless, with patients and visitors describing filthy wards, broken toilets, drug shortages, and nurses unable to help due to lack of resources.
Report explains the political sensitivities surrounding the issue, with government officials who have acknowledged the crisis facing rebukes by Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry.
Includes interviews with doctors, patients and their families, and other related government officials, who shed light on the growing public health sector issues and suggest potential steps to address crisis.