ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Iran-US tensions amid reported delay in US escalation
Developments in Iran-US tensions after US President Donald Trump temporarily delayed a planned major military escalation against Tehran after high-level diplomatic pressure from key Gulf allies.
US and Iranian negotiators are expected to launch talks in the afternoon after Trump said he halted strikes amid expectations a deal to end the conflict could be “imminent.” Further details on when and where the talks will take place have not been provided.
Global reactions to developments surrounding the US-Iran conflict and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing maritime incidents and restricted traffic.
Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza
Developments following Israeli attacks that killed at least 18 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, despite an agreement to begin implementing the second phase of the ceasefire.
Palestinian foreign minister’s news conference on Israeli violations in West Bank
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin is set to hold a news conference at the ministry’s headquarters to address Israeli violations and occupier attacks in the occupied West Bank, as well as the latest political and field developments.
Military escalation between Yemeni government, Houthi group
Developments in the military escalation between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group, a day after the army reported clashes on several fronts in Taiz province, resulting in casualties and material losses among Houthi forces.
Ceuta migrant influx
Developments after the mass migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco (around 50,000-60,000 people), including the near-complete voluntary and assisted returns of almost all arrivals, the death toll of at least 72, installation of a floating barrier, ongoing border security measures, reactions from Spain, Morocco, and the EU, including Schengen controls by Italy and France, and an emergency interior ministers’ meeting planned for Tuesday, and any further attempts to enter the enclave.
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 major blazes, including the large Gironde fire in France, are brought under control or stabilized, while Greece continues to battle multiple active fires fanned by strong winds, temperatures remain high, and the risk of further outbreaks continues.
Developments in Russia-Ukraine conflict
Moscow and Kyiv continue to exchange airstrikes, with Ukraine targeting Wildberries logistics centers in Russia, and energy and maritime facilities remaining under attack on both sides, while media reports claim the US-mediated peace talks may resume in the near future.
Trump to sign executive order
US President Trump will sign an executive order at the White House. He is also expected to take questions from reporters on current issues, including the war in the Middle East with Iran.
Denmark to announce UN Security Council’s August program of work
Denmark’s Ambassador to the UN Christina Markus Lassen will brief reporters on the Security Council’s program of work for August in her capacity as council president for the month.
Venezuelan sides to begin transition talks in Caracas
Representatives of Venezuela’s 2015 National Assembly and the interim government led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez are expected to begin their first round of in-person talks in Caracas this week. Discussions will focus on assistance following the June 24 earthquakes, strengthening democratic institutions and restoring political rights and guarantees.
Thai premier kicks off maiden Indonesia visit
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrives in Jakarta on a two-day maiden visit to discuss advancing comprehensive strategic cooperation across security, economic, and cultural dimensions with Indonesian leadership, including President Prabowo Subianto. This marks the 1st visit by a Thai leader to Indonesia in 15 years.
Cambodia's top diplomat visits Malaysia
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn arrives in Malaysia on a two-day official visit, during which he will co-chair the 3rd Cambodia-Malaysia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation with his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Hasan. He is also scheduled to call on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Vietnam's National Assembly opens 1st extraordinary session
Vietnam's 16th National Assembly convenes its first extraordinary session to approve 19 laws and legal resolutions, conduct first reading reviews of seven draft laws, and decide on several other issues.
Chinese Foreign Ministry holds news conference
The Chinese Foreign Ministry holds its regular news conference in Beijing, and is expected to comment on evolving developments in the Middle East.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s inflation
Türkiye will release annual inflation data for July. It was at 32.1% in June. Markets expect it to ease to 31.8% in July.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Vandalism to arson: Israeli occupier attacks on mosques in West Bank hit record levels
Report examining the sharp rise in attacks by Israeli occupiers, often under the protection or in the presence of Israeli forces, targeting Palestinian mosques across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Drawing on data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, the report tracks mosque-related incidents from 2017 to the present, documenting a marked escalation in both the frequency and severity of attacks, with 2026 recording the highest number of incidents.
The report shows how assaults that once largely consisted of racist graffiti, vandalism, and attempted arson have increasingly evolved into more violent attacks, including the burning of mosques, assaults on worshippers and repeated incursions into religious sites.
EXPLAINER – Midterm primaries in 5 US states to shape battle for Congress
Report on the Aug. 4 primary elections in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Washington, and Virginia, the marquee event of the 2026 US midterm calendar, as both Republicans and Democrats vie for nominations in races expected to help determine control of Congress.
The story explains the significance of the primaries, profiles the leading candidates in key Senate, House, and statewide contests, and reviews the latest polling ahead of Tuesday's vote.
The report also provides a national overview of the political landscape, outlining how the outcomes could shape party strategies and the most competitive races heading into the November general election.