ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, June 22, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
US, Iran make 'encouraging progress,' agree on roadmap to reach final deal in 60 days
Mediators Qatar and Pakistan said the US and Iran made "encouraging progress" on the first day of high-level talks in Switzerland, and agreed to reach a final peace deal in 60 days.
They also agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” to ensure military operations end in Lebanon, according to a joint statement by the mediators.
Israel says it will not withdraw from Lebanon
Israeli officials, including the defense minister, said the country's troops will not withdraw from Lebanon, where an end of fighting between Israel and Lebanon is a key clause of the US-Iran deal.
Jordan hosts Arab foreign ministers for consultative meeting
Jordan will host a consultative meeting of Arab foreign ministers, followed by the resumed 165th ordinary session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level. The meetings will be held at the invitation of Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, with no mention of the participants.
British premier expected to announce resignation
There is widespread speculation that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will announce a timetable for stepping down.
Heatwave across Europe
Heatwave is affecting several European countries, with authorities issuing weather alerts and implementing emergency measures.
EU-Moldova summit in Brussels
The EU-Moldova summit being hosted in Brussels, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are set to meet Moldova’s President Maia Sandu. The discussions are expected to focus on bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Pope Leo to visit World Food Program headquarters
Pope Leo to visit the Rome headquarters of the UN World Food Program, where he is expected to address staff, as well as members of the Executive Board.
Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly summer session
The opening of the summer plenary session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly running on June 22-26. The session is expected to cover ongoing political, legal, and human rights issues across member states.
Top French diplomat's visit to Switzerland
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to visit Switzerland. He is expected to hold talks with Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Turkish president to attend party meeting in Ankara
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair his Justice and Development (AK) Party's Central Decision and Executive Board meeting at the party's congress center.
Trump to sign executive orders, with possible remarks on Iran talks
US President Trump is scheduled to sign executive orders in the Oval Office. While currently listed as closed to media, the event may be opened, in which case Trump would be likely to comment on recent talks with Iran in Switzerland. Trump will also hold two closed-door policy meetings at the White House.
UN Security Council to discuss Syria, Ukraine
The UN Security Council will hold a briefing on Syria, with Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Indrika Ratwatte expected to brief members. The council will also hold an open briefing on Ukraine.
Post-election developments in Colombia
Developments in Colombia after Trump-backed candidate Abelardo de la Espriella claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential runoff at roughly 1 percentage point ahead of competitor Sen. Ivan Cepeda. Incumbent Gustavo Petro has alleged irregularities in the vote and said he does not recognize the results for now.
Protests in Bolivia
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency following weeks of anti-government protests. Security forces have begun dismantling roadblocks erected by demonstrators across the country.
Putin to lay a wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Russian President Vladimir Putin to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the 85th anniversary of the start of World War II, what Moscow calls the Great Patriotic War.
Kazakh president's visit to Brussels
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to conduct a two-day visit to Brussels. He will meet European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
BRICS national security chiefs meet in India
The 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security begin two-day meeting in India, which is current chair of the emerging economies bloc.
Malaysian premier hosts Bangladeshi counterpart
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosts Bangladeshi counterpart Tarique Rahman, who is on his first overseas trip after coming to power in February. The two sides discussed labor and trade issues, besides Malaysian support on Rohingya issue.
Pakistan grapples with severe weather
Pakistan is grappling with severe weather conditions nationwide. The National Disaster Management Authority has issued a nationwide advisory warning of thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rainfall, urban flooding, and glacier-related flood risks across multiple regions of the country.
SPORTS
2026 FIFA World Cup Day 12
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will continue on its 12th day as Uruguay played Cape Verde, New Zealand played Egypt, and Argentina faces Austria.
THE ECONOMY
China interest rate decision
China's central bank to release its interest rate decision. In the previous meeting, the bank kept the rates unchanged.
Türkiye consumer confidence
TurkStat to release monthly consumer confidence data for June.
Eurozone consumer confidence
Eurostat to share monthly consumer confidence statistics for June.
SPECIAL REPORTS
10 years on, Britons reflect on Brexit’s promises and costs
Report on the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum as the UK and EU revisit the long-term political, economic and social consequences of the 2016 vote amid renewed debate over Europe’s future direction.
The story uses street interviews to explore how public attitudes toward Brexit have evolved and how its economic and social consequences are being felt in everyday life.
The report examines concerns ranging from increased trade barriers and business costs to stagnant wages, reduced investment and the loss of opportunities for younger generations, while capturing whether voters believe Brexit has delivered on its promises or fallen short of expectations.
Oil spill on Pakistan’s Gwadar coast raises fears of environmental fallout from US-Iran war
Report on an oil spill that has contaminated a stretch of Pakistan's strategic Gwadar coastline, with authorities and experts investigating whether it is linked to tanker strikes, attacks on Iran's Kharg Island export terminal, or other disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict around the Strait of Hormuz.
The story explores the environmental and economic impact of the spill on marine ecosystems, endangered species and local fishing communities, as well as concerns that ocean currents and prevailing winds have carried pollution from the Persian Gulf to Pakistan's shores.
The report also assesses broader fears of a regional ecological crisis triggered by the conflict, including the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf and North Arabian Sea to oil pollution, with comments from Balochistan climate official Muhammad Asghar, the International Maritime Organization, and experts including a marine scientist and an ecologist.