Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, June 12, 2026
Trump cancels Iran strikes, claiming deal close to being finalized
US President Donald Trump canceled planned strikes on Iran, claiming a deal was in final stages and a time and place of signing would be announced shortly. Iran also said that the agreement's main points have been finalized.
Israeli escalation in Lebanon despite ceasefire
Israeli military continues its escalation in Lebanon despite an understanding to implement the ceasefire reached in mid-April.
White House UFC fight press conference
A press conference is scheduled at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington featuring UFC fighters set to compete at the White House on June 14 as part of the Freedom 250 fight card.
Trump White House meetings
US President Donald Trump will attend a series of closed-door policy meetings at the White House.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Los Angeles to attend the US Men's National Team's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Paraguay.
FISA Section 702 surveillance authority expires
Federal powers to conduct sweeping surveillance of foreigners' communications under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act are due to expire after a short-term extension. A House vote to extend the authority through July 2 failed on Wednesday.
Peru presidential runoff vote tally
Vote counting continues following Peru's June 7 presidential runoff between conservative Keiko Fujimori and left-wing Roberto Sanchez, with the margin standing at only a few hundred votes.
Developments on Belfast violence
Developments on the far-right unrest in Northern Ireland. More than a dozen arrests have been made in connection with the disorder that left a man with serious injuries, including the loss of an eye.
EU and French officials attend peace conference on two-state solution in Paris
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot hosts a conference in Paris bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society activists supporting peace and a two-state solution. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is also expected to deliver a speech at the “Paris Call for the Two-States Solution,” as part of efforts to promote dialogue between civil society groups from both sides.
Pope Leo XIV visits Spain’s Canary Islands
Pope Leo XIV will continue his Apostolic Journey to Spain, with a program in Tenerife focused on migration issues. The schedule includes meetings with migrants at the “Las Raíces Center,” discussions with organizations working on migrant integration in La Laguna, and a Holy Mass at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, before departing for Rome.
South Korean president visits Italy
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit Italy for a state visit, and is expected to take part in the Italy-Korea High-Level Business Forum in Rome. The event will bring together government officials and business leaders from both countries to strengthen cooperation in sectors including advanced technologies, energy transition, aerospace and industrial supply chains.
UN briefing
UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefing. Pressing issues around the world from conflicts to health are likely to be discussed.
UK court sentences four Palestine Action activists in Filton case
Four activists linked to Palestine Action will appear for sentencing after being found guilty of criminal damage, violent disorder and grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident at an Elbit Systems facility in Filton, Bristol. The court is also considering whether to apply a terrorism connection to the case under the Sentencing Act, citing claims that the action aimed to influence the Israeli government.
WHO blood safety data
The World Health Organization will share bew data on global status of blood safety and availability ahead of World Blood Donors Day.
EU ministerial conference on migration
EU ministers gather in Lefkosia, the Greek Cypriot Administration to discuss the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which was recently approved by the EU Council and the European Parliament. The new rules introduce a series of measures, including the possibility of establishing return hubs in third countries for rejected asylum seekers.
Carney to visit France
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Paris to meet President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors including trade, defence, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and critical minerals. He is also expected to meet business leaders to promote investment and industrial partnerships.
Russia Day celebrations
Russia Day, a national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) in 1990, is being marked. Celebratory events are expected to be held across the country, including an awards ceremony in the Kremlin involving President Vladimir Putin, who may speak about current foreign policy issues.
South Korean court sentences ousted president in Pyongyang drone case
A Seoul court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years for ordering drone infiltrations into North Korea in order to heighten cross-border tensions and create a basis for his December 2024 martial law declaration.
BRICS agriculture ministers meet in India
India hosts the two-day 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Madhya Pradesh. The delegations to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food security and sustainable development.
Students plan protests against social projects in Indonesia
University students plan protests against the country’s free meal program and village cooperative project in Indonesia, citing "waste of the state budget." They demand lower prices for basic necessities and fuel.
THE ECONOMY
UK GDP
UK to release monthly economic growth data for April on June 12. In March, the UK's GDP grew 0.3%. Markets expect it to shrink 0.3% in April.
US consumer sentiment
US to release monthly consumer sentiment data for June, and will also share inflation expectations.
SpaceX IPO
Trading in shares in SpaceX, the Elon Musk-owned aerospace and AI company, is due to begin.
The IPO raised a record $75 billion, valuing the conglomerate at $1.77 trillion
SPORTS
2026 FIFA World Cup - Day 2
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, will continue on its second day. While South Korea beat Czechia 2-1, Canada will play against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Geneva braces for G7 summit as security lockdown revives memories of 2003 unrest
Report on how Geneva is preparing for next week’s G7 summit in nearby Evian-les-Bains, France, amid heightened security, planned protests and lingering memories of the unrest that accompanied the 2003 G8 summit.
The story explains the preparations, including increased police deployments, border controls, road closures and businesses boarding up storefronts, as authorities seek to prevent disruptions linked to anti-G7 demonstrations.
It also explores the impact of the security measures on residents and local businesses, while revisiting the legacy of the 2003 summit, when protests, vandalism and looting spilled into Geneva. The report includes comments from Geneva police spokesman Alexandre Brahier and local shop owners.
Gaza ceasefire roadmap under threat as Israel expands territorial control, experts warn
Report on conditions in the Gaza Strip eight months after the October ceasefire, as Palestinians continue to face a worsening humanitarian crisis amid Israeli attacks, territorial expansion and stalled reconstruction efforts.
The story examines Israel’s plans to maintain control over large parts of Gaza, including proposals to retain up to 70% of the territory, and assess what this could mean for the enclave’s future governance, population displacement and prospects for a lasting peace.
The report analyzes the deteriorating humanitarian situation, including aid shortages, restrictions on crossings and growing public health concerns, with comments from defense analyst Rob Geist Pinfold and ActionAid Palestine advocacy and communications coordinator Riham Jafari.