ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, July 17, 2026
US-Iran tensions
Regional developments and reactions following renewed US-Iran escalation, which included US strikes on various Iranian cities, reimposition of naval blockade on Iran as well as Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting countries in the region.
Lebanon, Israel, US to discuss framework deal
A trilateral military meeting between Lebanon, Israel and the US, to be held online, to follow up on the implementation of the framework agreement signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26.
Israel’s Knesset dissolution ahead of October elections
Israeli lawmakers are set to complete the process of dissolving the Knesset ahead of elections scheduled for October 27.
Security, humanitarian developments in Sudan amid RSF violations
Field and humanitarian developments amid fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), following a warning by International Criminal Court Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan of the risk of a “repeat of the atrocities” seen in Darfur two decades ago in the central city of El-Obeid.
Yemen tensions after Houthis threaten attacks on Saudi oil facilities
Developments after the Houthi group threatened to target Saudi oil facilities and other vital infrastructure if Riyadh joins attacks on Yemen, amid renewed tensions following reported missile exchanges.
Heat wave and wildfires sweep Southern Europe
Developments after warnings of dangerous heat and elevated wildfire risk across Southern Europe – particularly in France, Spain and Greece – as temperatures climb and multiple blazes break out.
UN briefing
UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefing. The Service reveals its agenda shortly before the briefing, therefore the focus will be based on this agenda. But most pressing issues around the world from conflicts to health to be discussed.
EU justice and home affairs ministers conclude their meeting
Justice and home affairs ministers of EU member states conclude their informal meeting in the Irish capital, Dublin. Agenda includes advancing a fair, effective and rules-based approach to migration, asylum and returns, strengthening Europe’s safety and security.
Merz, Macron to co-chair Franco-German joint Cabinet meeting
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and France’s President Emmanuel Macron will meet for a Franco-German joint Cabinet meeting at the Augustusburg Palace in Bruhl. They will also chair a meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council, where foreign and security policy issues, including nuclear deterrence and strengthening European military capabilities, are expected to top the agenda.
UK Labour Party leadership special conference
The UK Labour Party will hold a special conference to unveil its new leader following Keir Starmer’s resignation. Andy Burnham is the only candidate nominated by the Parliamentary Labour Party and, assuming he secures the required affiliate nominations, is expected to be prime minister on July 20.
Trump to attend FIFA reception
US President Donald Trump will travel to New York City to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower. He will later go to his private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump may speak to reporters on current events during his trip.
US secretary of homeland security to brief on electronic voting security
US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin will hold a briefing to outline the department's work looking into cyber vulnerabilities in electronic voting systems.
Canadian foreign minister to host Mexican counterpart
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will host Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco Alvarez in the capital Ottawa. The visit will mark Velasco’s first visit to Canada since he assumed office in April.
Russia-Ukraine conflict, stalled peace talks
The latest on Russia‑Ukraine conflict, including reports from frontlines and airstrike exchanges.
Meeting of Russian, Azerbaijani foreign ministers
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. Economic cooperation is expected to be discussed between the two countries.
Moldova is expected to unveil new Cabinet
Moldova's new cabinet, led by Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan, is expected to be announced.
China hosts 2026 World AI Conference
China kicks off 4-day 2026 World AI Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. The conference, held under the theme AI Partnership for a Brighter Future, will have over 1,000 companies showcasing their products with more than 300 making a global debut. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers keynote address.
Chinese Foreign Ministry holds news conference
Chinese Foreign Ministry holds regular news conference in Beijing.
UN chief Gutteres in China
UN Chief Antonio Gutteres is in China to attend World AI conference. Gutteres is also expected to hold sideline meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as other foreign leaders.
Eurozone inflation
Eurostat to share final monthly consumer price index (CPI) figures for June. In May, the annual inflation climbed to 3.2%.
US industrial production
US to announce monthly industrial production data for June. In May, the production edged up 0.1% on a monthly basis. The country will also release housing starts and building permits data.
US inflation expectations
The University of Michigan to release monthly inflation expectations data for the US for July.
SPECIAL REPORTS
International Criminal Justice Day: ICC faces one of its gravest crises in 24 years, warn experts
Report marking International Criminal Justice Day on July 17, examining the mounting political, legal and financial pressure on the International Criminal Court as it confronts what many observers describe as one of the most serious crises in its history.
The report explores the impact of US sanctions, efforts by the Trump administration to undermine the court, and the wider backlash against the ICC as it pursues investigations and arrest warrants involving Israeli and other world leaders, raising questions about its independence, legitimacy and future effectiveness.
It includes comments from former war crimes prosecutor Reed Brody, former ICC prosecutor’s office official Alex Whiting, Sergey Vasiliev of the Open University in the Netherlands, and Marco Longobardo of the University of Westminster on the challenges facing the court and the future of international criminal justice.
EXPLAINER - Why Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks have angered China
Report examining why Japan and the Philippines’ decision to negotiate maritime boundaries near Taiwan has triggered a strong response from China, despite the talks being presented as a routine delimitation process under international law.
The story explores the legal and strategic significance of the negotiations, focusing on overlapping exclusive economic zone and continental shelf claims, the implications for Taiwan, and how the initiative fits into broader efforts to strengthen security cooperation along the First Island Chain.
It includes comments from Nancy Snow, Chienyu Shih of Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, Georgi Engelbrecht of the International Crisis Group, and China analyst Einar Tangen on the competing legal interpretations, geopolitical stakes and the potential impact on regional stability.