ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, June 11, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran stalled talks
Diplomatic efforts to revive stalled talks between the US and Iran after a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran for discussions with Iranian officials on regional developments and efforts to end the conflict between Tehran and Washington. The visit comes after overnight exchanges of fire between Iran and the US.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite ceasefire
Daily Israeli strikes and military activity in Lebanon despite the renewed US-mediated ceasefire arrangement. Evacuation warnings, attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, Hezbollah’s response, Lebanese army deployment, and civilian casualties will be monitored.
Reactions to progress toward US-Iran deal
Remarks and reactions to potential developments toward US-Iran deal amid ongoing Mideast tensions, alongside updates on efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz.
Merz to brief parliament ahead of EU summit
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver a government statement to parliament, setting out Berlin’s priorities ahead of next week’s EU leaders’ summit. He is expected to address key international issues, including Europe’s political and military support for Ukraine against Russia, the US-Iran conflict, and European defense and security initiatives.
Norwegian Premier’s visit to Brussels
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will host Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Brussels, where the leaders will discuss bilateral relations and current developments. Store will later meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO HQ.
Oxfam report on Palestinians killed in occupied West Bank
Global charity Oxfam is set to release a report on the situation in the occupied West Bank as findings reveal more Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military and occupiers across the West Bank in the last three years than in the previous 17 years combined. An analysis of UN data found that 1,036 Palestinians, including 225 children, had been killed by Israeli forces or occupiers between 2006 and the end of 2022. However, in the last three years, from 2023 to the end of last year by comparison, 1,244 Palestinians, including 268 children, have been killed.
France to hold global videoconference on economic coordination
French President Emmanuel Macron is organizing a videoconference ahead of the G7 summit to strengthen cooperation among major world economies. The conference, titled Global Convergence Summit for Growth, will bring together representatives from the G7, China, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Countries invited to the G7 summit are also expected to participate.
Developments on Belfast violence
Latest developments on the far-right unrest that took place in Northern Ireland. Three arrests have so far been made in connection with the disorder that left a man with serious injuries.
Pope Leo XIV visits Spain’s Canary Islands
Pope Leo arrives at Gran Canaria, marking the first time a pontiff visiting the islands on an official Apostolic Journey. He is expected to meet with organizations working with migrants in the port of Arguineguin.
Australian, British, and Canadian foreign ministers meet in London
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosts her Australian and Canadian counterparts Penny Wong and Anita Anand in London to discuss Middle East developments as well as broader regional and global issues.
South Korean president visits Italy
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to visit Italy as part of his trip to Europe ahead of the G7 Summit in France. He is expected to hold talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, while a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled for the following day.
Russia-Ukraine war
Moves by Moscow and Kyiv amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, including on the front line and related to energy strikes.
Trump to sign proclamation, attend policy meetings at White House
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign a proclamation in the Oval Office. Details on the content of the document have not been disclosed. The event is currently listed as closed to media.
Trump will also attend a series of closed-door policy meetings at the White House, as well as an intelligence briefing earlier in the day. Monitoring possible remarks and social media posts by the US president on major issues.
US Secretary of State to attend memorandum of understanding signing with UFC
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to take part in a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO and President Dana White. Rubio and White will hold a joint news conference at the Department of State as part of the signing, which comes ahead of Sunday’s planned Freedom 250 celebrations as part of this year's Independence Day events, which will feature six UFC fights at the White House.
Colombian president’s New York engagements
Following Colombian President Gustavo Petro's engagements in New York, where he led a UN Security Council debate on Middle East peace efforts on Wednesday.
China holds Global Human Rights Governance forum
China holds 2-day 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance in Beijing. Over 400 guests from nearly 100 countries, the UN and other international and regional organizations are expected to attend the event.
The event is themed ‘Joint Development, Shared Human Rights: The 40th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development and a New Vision for Global Human Rights Governance.’
Nikkei ‘Forum for Future’ of Asia in Tokyo
The 31st edition of the Nikkei ‘Forum on the Future’ of Asia continues for 2nd day in Japan’s capital, Tokyo. The theme of the forum this year revolves around ‘Working together for a more resilient and prosperous Asia.’
Search, rescue operations in Philippines after tremor kills dozens
Search and rescue operations continue in the Philippines after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern parts of the island nation on Monday, leaving at least 53 people dead and 17 others missing. More than 475 people have been injured.
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference
Chinese Foreign Ministry holds regular news conference.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye interest rate decision
The Turkish Central Bank to release its interest rate decision. In the previous meeting, the bank kept the policy rate unchanged at 37%. Markets expect no change in the rate.
Euro area interest rate
The European Central Bank (ECB) to announce its interest rate decision. In its previous meeting, the bank kept the rate unchanged at 2%. The markets expect the bank to raise the rate to 2.25% for this meeting.
US producer inflation
US to share monthly producer inflation data for May. In April, the PPI increased 1.4% on a monthly basis. The country will also release initial jobless claims data.
SPORTS
2026 FIFA World Cup opening match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, will hold its opening match as Mexico takes on South Africa in Mexico City. Monitoring developments related to the tournament, including final preparations, security arrangements, travel and entry issues affecting participants, and any protests or disruptions surrounding the competition.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW – Amnesty chief slams EU for turning a blind eye to Israel’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ in West Bank
Interview with Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard about the EU’s policies toward Israel.
Callamard says the EU is failing to respond meaningfully to what she describes as Israel’s ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. She stresses that European governments have limited themselves to expressions of concern over occupier violence and settlement expansion while avoiding actual measures.
She calls for stronger European action, proposing measures including the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Flamingos, bulldozers and backlash: Albania’s fight over a Kushner-linked luxury resort
Report on growing protests against a luxury tourism project backed by Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and his investment firm.
The story lays out warnings from environmental groups about development plans for Narta Lagoon and Sazan Island and explains how they could threaten some of Albania’s most sensitive coastal habitats.
It also looks at how the dispute has evolved into a broader debate over governance, transparency and development in Albania, with comments from biodiversity expert Aleksander Trajçe of PPNEA, the largest nature conservation organization in Albania, and environmental activist Besjana Guri.