ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Iran-US memorandum amid regional tensions
Developments following recent statements by Iranian officials regarding the proposed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the US, including comments on the contents of the agreement, the expected signing process, and its implications for regional security, the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing conflicts in the region.
Possible remarks by US officials, as well as global reactions to the US-Iran deal, as a signing ceremony is expected to take place in Switzerland later this week.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite US-Iran deal
The daily Israeli attacks on Lebanon amid continued violations of the fragile ceasefire that has been in effect since April 17, and after US President Donald Trump's announcement that Washington and Tehran had reached an understanding to end the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.
Israeli military operations in Gaza and occupied West Bank
Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including airstrikes, raids, arrests, occupiers' attacks, casualties, humanitarian developments, and related diplomatic efforts.
Iranian national team's World Cup participation amid visa concerns
Developments surrounding visa-related issues facing Iranian players and officials during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, including reactions from Iranian authorities and the impact on the national team's participation in matches on US soil.
Yvette Cooper's Egypt visit
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper travels to Egypt, where she holds talks with officials, including her Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty.
Turkish president to receive letters of credentials from new envoys
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to receive letters of credentials from newly appointed ambassadors of the EU delegation, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Kuwait, and Malaysia.
During separate ceremonies at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, souvenir photos will be taken.
G7 Summit in France continues on last day
The G7 Leaders’ Summit in Evian-les-Bains, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, enters its final day with leaders, including US President Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Premier Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Canadian Premier Mark Carney, and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, plus EU officials and invited leaders from India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya, and others. Talks focus on economic imbalances, trade, AI, energy security, and geopolitics, with bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
Trump will participate in a working session with leaders of the G7 group and “development countries.” Trump later will later hold separate bilateral meetings with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Before departing for Versailles for a bilateral dinner Macron, Trump will hold a news conference in Evian. Following his dinner with Macron, Trump will head back to Washington, DC, possibly speaking to reporters during the trip on Air Force One.
Macron to host Trump at Versailles dinner
French President Macron to host US President Trump for dinner at the Palace of Versailles. The bilateral meeting follows the G7 summit in France and marks the 250th anniversary of US independence.
German-Polish Forum with ministers
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski to deliver the opening speeches at the German-Polish Forum meetings in Berlin. The meeting will focus on strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries, as well as initiatives to bolster Europe’s security and defense capabilities.
NATO chief holds presser ahead of defense ministerial meeting
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to brief the press at NATO Headquarters in Brussels ahead of the alliance’s defense ministers’ meeting, which will take place on Thursday.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to depart from the US to participate in the meeting. He may speak to reporters ahead of his departure.
NATO chief hosts Latvian premier in Brussels
NATO Secretary General Rutte to receive Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where they will deliver joint remarks following their bilateral discussion.
Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan
Russian President Vladimir Putin to take part in the latest Russia-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, which will be held in the city of Kazan. The event is organized to deepen economic cooperation between Moscow and the regional countries.
Developments amid scheduled meeting between Putin, Turkish foreign minister
Developments on the part of Moscow to be followed as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to meet with Russian President Putin in the city of Kazan. Fidan will travel to Kazan amid an official visit to Russia, during which he has already held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
Armenia to host Eagle Partner 2026 military exercises
Armenia to host the latest edition of the Eagle Partner military exercises to be held on June 17-25. The military exercise is expected to involve servicemen from the Armenian Armed Forces, as well as military personnel from the US, France, and Greece, marking the first time they will be held in a four-way format.
UN Security Council to discuss role of women in peacemaking, security
The UN Security Council to hold an open debate on women, peace, and security. UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous and two women civil society representatives are expected to brief the council. Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio will chair the meeting.
Jay Clayton to testify at director of national intelligence confirmation hearing
Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence Jay Clayton to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee at a confirmation hearing. If confirmed, Clayton will succeed Tulsi Gabbard, who is set to step down from the post effective June 30.
Peru presidential runoff
Vote counting continues following Peru's June 7 presidential runoff between conservative Keiko Fujimori and left-wing Roberto Sanchez, with Fujimori leading with a margin of less than 20,000 votes.
Search continues after NW China jolted by strong tremor
Search for any trapped people continues after a strong earthquake of 6.3 magnitude struck Haixi prefecture in Qinghai province of China. At least one person is dead.
Myanmar's president continues China trip
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing continues state visit to China, where he met Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Top Taiwanese diplomat's conversation with reporters
Taiwan’s top diplomat Lin Chia-Lung holds conversation with reporters at Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Taipei.
Chinese Foreign Ministry's news conference
China’s Foreign Ministry holds its regular news conference. Ministry is likely to make comments on G7 summit held in France, as well as ongoing US-Iran technical talks for Friday to sign the deal to end the war.
SPORTS
2026 FIFA World Cup Day 7
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, to continue on its seventh day as Iraq played Norway, Argentina played Algeria, Austria playing Jordan, DR Congo plays Portugal, and England faces Croatia. Developments related to the tournament, including final preparations, security arrangements, travel and entry issues affecting participants, and any protests or disruptions surrounding the competition.
THE ECONOMY
Fed interest rate decision
The US Federal Reserve to announce its interest rate decision. New Chair Kevin Warsh will hold his first briefing after succeeding Jerome Powell. In the previous meeting, the central bank kept the policy rate stable at 3.5%-3.75% range. Markets expect no change in the rate for this meeting also. The country will also release retail sales data.
UK inflation
The UK to share monthly inflation data for May. In April, the UK's annual inflation eased to 2.8%.
SPECIAL REPORTS
FACTBOX - Russia-ASEAN summit: What’s on the agenda?
Report on the summit in Kazan bringing together leaders and senior officials from Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The story examines the significance of the meeting as Moscow seeks to deepen engagement with Asian partners amid tensions with the West, while ASEAN continues its policy of balancing relations among major powers. It also outlines the evolution of Russia-ASEAN relations since 1991, including cooperation in trade, energy, security, and development.
The report highlights key agenda items expected at the summit, including energy security, food security, and regional conflicts, as well as broader efforts to expand economic and strategic cooperation over the coming decade.
Energy, inflation, commodities: How Iran war reshaped global economy
Report on the economic impact of the Iran conflict on global markets, focusing on disruptions to energy flows, inflationary pressures, growth forecasts and commodity prices, based on assessments by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and International Energy Agency.
The story examines how disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz affected global oil and gas supplies, pushed energy prices higher, and triggered ripple effects across transport, fertilizer, and industrial costs. It also looks at how the conflict contributed to inflationary pressures and weakened global growth expectations, particularly in developing economies.
The report draws on recent projections from international institutions warning that the economic fallout may persist even after the conflict ends, with energy security and supply chain stability remaining key risks for the global economy.
EXPLAINER - World Cup debutants: What to know about Uzbekistan’s ‘White Wolves’
Report on Uzbekistan’s historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing qualification through a strong AFC campaign, marking the country’s first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The story outlines how Uzbekistan reached the finals following a consistent qualifying run under head coach Fabio Cannavaro, with the squad built around emerging talents such as Abdukodir Khusanov, Eldor Shomurodov, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
It also explores the team’s preparations and expectations ahead of the tournament, drawing on squad announcements, recent match reports, and analyst assessments of Uzbekistan’s rapid rise in international football.