ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, June 19, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israel and Iran exchange strikes and threats for 7th day amid growing escalation
Latest developments as Israel and Iran have been trading strikes for a week, marking a dangerous escalation in their conflict. Israeli warplanes continue hitting military sites deep inside Iran, while Tehran responds with drones and missiles targeting several areas in Israel.
Israel is reportedly planning to strike Iran's Fordo facility, with expectations that US may join upcoming attacks. A regional spillover is feared if Iran activates its proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, or Yemen. Diplomatic channels remain frozen as global powers warn of potential slide into full-scale regional war.
Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza, leaving dozens dead amid growing hunger crisis
Developments as Israeli army continues to target Palestinians near humanitarian aid distribution points under the supervision of the controversial Israeli-American aid group known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.
On Wednesday, 13 Palestinians waiting for aid were killed and dozens injured, as limited Israeli-approved trucks reached the Netzarim Corridor of central Gaza, where hungry civilians rushed to access food, only to face direct fire from Israeli forces or looting by armed gangs reportedly backed by Israel, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.
More casualties are feared as the situation unfolds, with responses likely from global and regional actors. The escalation further complicates the worsening famine in Gaza, raising alarm among humanitarian agencies and increasing pressure on international diplomacy.
European Parliament
European Parliament plenary session continues, with agenda including a European Commission statement on “Institutional and political implications of the EU enlargement process and global challenges.”
WHO head - virtual press conference
World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus holds virtual press conference on global health issues.
US President Donald Trump to attend swearing-in for his ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba to hold press conference on UN Children and Armed Conflict report.
Ceremony marking handover of disaster housing units in Türkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will attend ceremony marking handover of disaster housing units in Türkiye.
Putin to meet visiting Indonesian counterpart in St. Petersburg
Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto, who arrived in St. Petersburg on Wednesday for a three-day visit to the country.
According to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the two leaders will first meet in a narrow format, during which the "most important and sensitive topics will be touched upon," after which negotiations will also be held in an expanded format on bilateral and international issues.
Putin to meet with South Africa’s deputy president in St. Petersburg
Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in St. Petersburg, where he is attending an international economic forum.
According to South Africa’s Department of International Relations & Cooperation, Mashatile's visit is expected to leverage promoting the country's trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.
Political crisis in Thailand over border issue with Cambodia
Monitoring political developments in Thailand after government ally withdrew over border tensions with Cambodia.
THE ECONOMY
Turkish interest rate
Turkish Central Bank to announce its interest rate decision. At its last meeting it was raised 350 basis points to 46%. Markets expect no change in the rate.
British interest rate
Bank of England to announce its interest rate decision. At its last meeting benchmark rate was lowered to 25 basis points to 4.25%. Markets expect no cut.
SPECIAL REPORTS
EXPLAINER - Fordo: Key Iranian nuclear site in Israeli crosshairs
Report on mounting concerns over Israel’s potential targeting of Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility and the risk of US intervention.
The story explains Fordo’s strategic role in Iran’s nuclear program, its underground fortifications, and current uranium enrichment activities. It will assess whether Israel could destroy the site without US support and analyze the risks of radiation and regional escalation.
Report includes insights from Marina Miron, post-doctoral researcher at the War Studies Department of King’s College London, on the potential consequences of strikes on Fordo and the wider implications for nuclear safety and Middle East security.
Could EU use visa-free travel overhaul to target Israel?
Report on recent EU move to toughen its visa suspension powers, focusing on how the change could give bloc another tool to pressure Israel over its genocidal war on Gaza.
Story explains new EU measures allowing suspension of visa-free access for nations breaching human rights or international law, and the potential implications for Israel as more European nations take an increasingly critical stance over its actions in Gaza.
Report includes comments from European Parliament member Matjaz Nemec and Gavin Barrett, professor of EU constitutional and economic law at University College Dublin, on potential impact of the move and how it fits into wider EU debates over trade sanctions and a review of the bloc’s association agreement with Israel.