Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
US-Iran tensions over Strait of Hormuz amid diplomatic standoff
Developments and global reactions amid Washington-Tehran tensions, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and expectations for an Iran-Oman deal on arrangements governing navigation through the strategic waterway, while Iran has stressed that any such agreement would not amount to reopening the strait.
Clashes in Yemen between government forces and Houthis
Developments in clashes between the internationally recognized Yemeni government forces and the Houthi groups, amid renewed fighting along several front lines and growing concerns that the escalation could undermine the relative calm that has prevailed since the 2022 truce. The fighting erupted last month, leaving dozens of people dead and wounded on both sides.
Developments on the Gaza roadmap
The updates after Board of Peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov said Israel would begin withdrawing from the Gaza Strip only after the “verified” disarmament of Palestinian factions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his rejection of a 15-point roadmap proposed by the Board of Peace to implement the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza. He claimed that his army will withdraw only when the Palestinian group Hamas is disarmed.
Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the roadmap and its implementation through mediators.
Tension within EU over migration policies
Ongoing tensions and debates among EU member states over calls to strengthen migration policies and border security measures, fueled by the recent migrant influx in the Spanish enclave Ceuta from Morocco.
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 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.
Hungary's parliament to elect new president
Hungary’s parliament is expected to elect a new president following the removal of Tamas Sulyok last month. The election comes as Prime Minister Peter Magyar pursues plans that include drafting a new constitution.
Deadly earthquake in western Colombia
Developments after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring dozens. Rescue operations are continuing in Cali, Pereira, Quibdo, and other affected areas, with people still trapped or missing and widespread building damage reported. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency, while the US and several Latin American governments offered assistance.
Trump to attend Patriot Games in Ohio
US President Trump will travel to northeastern Ohio to attend the 2026 Patriot Games at a school in the city of Geneva. The three-day athletic competition, part of events marking the 250th anniversary of the US, brings together high school athletes from across the country, US territories, and tribal nations. Trump may comment on current foreign policy issues during the trip.
US voters to cast ballots in batch of state primaries
Voters in Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont and Wisconsin will cast ballots in congressional, Senate and gubernatorial primaries, with additional special-election contests in Alabama and South Carolina. Key contests include Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, the state’s open 2nd District race, and Connecticut’s 1st District, where state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest is challenging longtime Rep. John Larson. Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary also includes state Rep. Francesca Hong.
UN Security Council to discuss situation in occupied West Bank
The UN Security Council will hold an open briefing, requested by Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, and the UK, to discuss the situation in the occupied West Bank and escalating violence by Israeli occupiers, settlement expansion, and military operations, demolitions, and access restrictions by Tel Aviv. Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Management Hannan Sulieman are expected to brief council members.
Top US, Austrian diplomats to meet
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger will hold closed-door talks at the Department of State in Washington. Meinl-Reisinger, who met with her Chinese counterpart in late June, reportedly plans to hold talks with permanent UN Security Council members ahead of Vienna’s membership in the international body next year.
Talks between Venezuela's interim government, opposition
Monitoring talks between Venezuela's interim government and the opposition-linked Delegated Commission of the 2015 National Assembly following the launch of face-to-face negotiations in Caracas. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening democratic institutions, restoring guarantees for political participation, and coordinating aid for those affected by June’s earthquakes.
UN briefing
UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefing, with the most pressing issues around the world, from conflicts to health, expected to be discussed.
Belarusian-Chinese military drill
Servicemen of the Belarusian Special Operations Forces to take part in the joint Belarusian-Chinese tactical exercise "Swift Eagle – 2026" at a training ground of the Chinese Army's Airborne Troops in Hubei Province on Aug. 11-24. During the drill, the servicemen will conduct parachute jumps, operate and master the joint assembly of drones, perform various types of live-fire exercises, and train in urban and industrial mountaineering. The desk will follow the event via official statements and media reports.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
The ongoing Russia‑Ukraine conflict, with updates, including frontline reports, exchanges of air‑strikes, possible resumption of peace talks, and humanitarian swaps.
US defense official visits Indonesia
US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby pays a two-day visit to Jakarta for expected meetings with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Foreign Minister Sugiono. His visit is expected to focus on bilateral defense and security cooperation.
Vietnamese president visits Australia
Vietnam's President To Lam is scheduled to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, with the talks expected to focus on bilateral relations and cooperation.
Australia to hold 2026 national census
Australia will hold its 2026 Census of Population and Housing, marking the country's 19th national census. The nationwide count is conducted every five years to collect demographic, social, and housing data.
Weather situation across Asia
Monitoring the weather situation across Asia as Typhoon Dolphin weakens after prompting hundreds of thousands of evacuations in China and other affected areas.
THE ECONOMY
Turkish retail sales
TurkStat to release monthly retail sales data for June. In May, the sales rose 2.4% on a monthly basis.
US home sales
The US to share monthly existing home sales data for July. In June, home sales fell 2.4% on a monthly basis.
SPECIAL REPORTS
EXPLAINER - Mokha: Why Yemen’s Red Sea port is in Houthi crosshairs
Report on why Yemen’s government-controlled port of Mokha has emerged as a key target for Houthi attacks, following a deadly strike that killed at least seven people and damaged port infrastructure and nearby residential areas.
The story explains Mokha’s strategic importance on Yemen’s western coast, particularly its proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and how control of the port could affect the military balance.
The report also lays out Mokha’s significance in the wider Yemen conflict and the struggle over Red Sea shipping, including Houthi efforts to pressure Saudi maritime trade.
EXPLAINER - Cook Islands election emerges as test of China-West rivalry in Pacific
Report on how the Cook Islands’ Aug. 12 general election has taken on wider geopolitical significance as the small Pacific nation navigates growing competition between China and the US and its allies.
The story explains the fragmented race for 24 parliamentary seats and examines Prime Minister Mark Brown’s push to diversify the country’s international partnerships, particularly a strategic agreement with China that strained relations with New Zealand.
The report also addresses the growing strategic importance of the Cook Islands’ vast maritime territory and potentially valuable seabed mineral deposits, and assesses how the election could shape future relations with world powers.
EXPLAINER - What to know about 2026’s major solar eclipse
Report on the total solar eclipse taking place Aug. 12, one of the year’s major astronomical events that will affect parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
The story maps the path and timing, highlighting locations where there will be a total eclipse, including Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia and parts of the Iberian Peninsula, and others across Europe, North America and northwestern Africa where a partial eclipse can be observed.
The report also explains the scientific significance of the event, including NASA-led observations of the Sun’s corona and changes in Earth’s atmosphere, while providing guidance on safe ways to observe the eclipse.