Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, June 26, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Israel-Iran ceasefire persists

The field developments of the US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which followed 12 days of intense conflict sparked by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13 and Israel’s retaliatory attacks.

The durability of the truce and any signs of escalation between the two countries will be followed along with real-time developments via official statements and international pressure and diplomatic efforts to solidify the truce and avert further conflict.

Gaza’s famine worsens as deadly Israeli attacks on aid seekers continue

Gaza’s worsening humanitarian disaster as an Israeli blockade severely restricts the flow of critical aid, driving the population toward widespread famine. Attacks on aid seekers have surged, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting significant casualties among civilians.

Casualty updates, international diplomatic efforts to address the crisis, and statements from aid agencies will be followed along with the amplified calls by the international community and humanitarian organizations for the immediate lifting of the blockade and the creation of secure humanitarian corridors.

European Council leaders' summit

EU leaders gather in Brussels. It marks the first such gathering for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Agenda on Thursday includes an exchange of views with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Also on the agenda for the summit are: a discussion on progress towards Europe’s common defense readiness by 2030; the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the dire situation in Gaza; migration; and the situation in the Western Balkans.

European leaders meet on migration

A group of European leaders, headed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Danish Prime Minster Mette Frederiksen and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, hold meeting on migration ahead of the European Council later today. Meloni announced earlier this week that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz would be joining the meeting.

Geneva event on humanitarian access in conflicts

Organized by the UN Permanent Mission of Kuwait, this panel will discuss the vital role of safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in conflict zones, highlighting its connection to the protection of human rights.

UNODC World Drug Report 2025

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) publishes the World Drug Report 2025.

Trump to participate in spending bill event

US President Donald Trump to participate in a White House event on his "One, Big Beautiful" spending and tax cut bill. Trump is seeking to marshal the bill through the Senate where it faces significant opposition from his fellow Republicans.

Senators to get Israel-Iran briefing

US Senators are set to receive a briefing on the conflict between Israel and Iran after it was postponed from Tuesday. The briefing was scheduled ahead of US strikes on Iran last weekend. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to participate.

Defense Secretary Hegseth on Iran strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and representatives of the US military will address reporters on US airstrikes on Iran. Trump has repeatedly maintained that the strikes resulted in the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump said today’s press conference is meant to “fight for the Dignity of our Great American Pilots” amid intelligence assessments from the US and Israel that clash with his narrative.

Belarus to host 4th Eurasian Economic Forum

Belarus to host the 4th edition of the Eurasian Economic Forum on June 26–27 in the country's capital Minsk. The event, to be held under the theme "Strategy of Eurasian Economic Integration: Results and Prospects," will bring together various participants, including top officials from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states and other countries. The forum also coincides with a summit of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council of the EAEU.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing in Moscow on current issues of foreign policy. As part of the briefing, Zakharova is expected to hold a Q&A session, during which journalists from international media agencies can also ask questions on particular topics.

Russian foreign minister to hold talks with Laotian counterpart

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold bilateral talks with visiting Laotian Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, who arrived in Russia on a five-day visit that began Tuesday. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the parties, during Kommasith's visit, will review the current state and future of their bilateral partnership, with an emphasis on deals made in 2024. Special focus will also be directed to intensifying coordination on international and regional matters between Russia and Laos.

Kenya marks anniversary of 2024 finance bill protests as unrest flares

Protests commemorating the anniversary of Kenya’s 2024 finance bill unrest erupted anew, with security forces and demonstrators clashing across the East African country as tensions show no signs of easing. There have reportedly been fatalities and numerous injuries, while protesters set fire to government buildings. Demonstrations are likely to continue through Thursday.

China holds Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank meeting

China holds 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Board of Governors in Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to attend and address the opening ceremony of the meeting. This year's annual meeting, themed "Connecting for Development, Collaborating for Prosperity," will review the accomplishments of the past 10 years and plan the direction for the upcoming decade.

Japan’s top negotiator to visit Washington

Japan’s top negotiator Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa visits Washington for the 7th time to negotiate the US tariffs. Japan’s automobile industry faces 25% tariffs. Japan also faces a 24% "reciprocal" tariff rate starting on July 9 unless it can negotiate a deal with Washington.

Foreign Ministry holds briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing during which the spokesperson is expected to deliver statements regarding the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Iran as well as the NATO summit in the Netherlands.

Japanese government holds news conference

Japanese government spokesperson holds regular news conference in Tokyo. The spokesman is expected to answer questions on Middle East and the NATO summit in the Netherlands. The spokesman is also expected to comment on the Upper House elections on July 20.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization defense chiefs meet in China

Defense chiefs and officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states meet for a summit in eastern China’s Qingdao city amid escalating regional tensions, particularly in the Middle East. Established in 2001, the SCO is an inter-governmental organization comprising 10 member states -- China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.

THE ECONOMY

US jobless claims

US will share continuing jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the claims fell 5,000 to 245,000. Markets expect them to fall to 244,000 for last week.

US GDP growth rate

US will announce final GDP growth rate figure for the first quarter of the year. The US economy contracted 0.2% in the first quarter, according to preliminary estimates.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER – How much did war with Iran cost Israel, US?

Report on the massive costs of the Israel-Iran conflict for both Israel and the US.

The story provides a detailed look at how Israel’s war with Iran has racked up staggering defense and economic costs, with Israel spending hundreds of millions of dollars per day on air defenses, retaliatory strikes, and infrastructure losses.

The report also delves into the financial costs of the US operation targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, while also highlighting the risks to global oil prices, regional stability, and the broader economic fallout of the conflict.

Is Macron’s ‘Choose France for Science’ more show than substance?

Report on the controversy sparked in France by President Emmanuel Macron’s bid to woo US scientists to work in the country.

The story explains how Macron is promoting France as a new hub for global scientific talent, particularly targeting US researchers, raising alarm among domestic scientists and unions. Critics of the “Choose Europe for Science” campaign argue that Macron’s pitch masks deeper problems in the French academic system, including funding cuts, poor pay, and declining academic freedom.

The story features interviews with Oliver Berne, an astrophysicist at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), and Alexander Seale, an analyst focusing on French and European politics.

INTERVIEW – Global population growth to continue through 2050 despite falling fertility rates: UNFPA

Interview with Mariam Khan, a senior official at the UN Population Fund, about the UN agency’s latest report that painted a dismal picture of declining global fertility rates.

Khan shares her insights on the latest findings and stresses the need for governments to shift focus from growth to policies that support real-life choices, gender equality, and social support.

The official also explains why short-term incentives fail, while offering suggestions on how to adapt to aging populations, and what international cooperation can offer.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with UNFPA official Mariam Khan about the agency’s latest report on global fertility and population growth rates, focusing on government policies, adaptation strategies, and international cooperation efforts.