Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

US-Iran developments and Strait of Hormuz tensions

Tracking stalled negotiations and mediation efforts aimed at ending the US-Iran war, while monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz amid a recent increase in reported tanker incidents.

Following global reactions, with concerns over shipping, energy security, and the risk of wider regional escalation, as well as possible responses, including maritime security measures, and calls for freedom of navigation.

Ongoing OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad

The second day of the 52nd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers is underway in Baghdad.

The meeting addresses Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and developments in other conflict zones across the Islamic world.

Yemen: Escalating military tensions

Tracking the latest developments amid intense fighting, particularly in Taiz province. The potential spillover of the conflict into Saudi Arabia, along with responses from the Saudi-led coalition, remains a key focus.

Possible repercussions of Israeli occupiers’ attack on European delegation in West Bank

Monitoring reactions after Israeli occupiers attacked a European delegation comprising French, Belgian, and Polish representatives.

The attack, which came amid an ongoing surge of army and occupier attacks against the Palestinians, wounded several Palestinian residents as well as the mayor of a French town.

Israel’s political landscape ahead of Oct. 27 elections

Monitoring the latest opinion polls on party standings and key political developments as Israel prepares for its parliamentary elections on Oct. 27.

Nationwide protests in France

France braces for nationwide mobilization fueled by ongoing high-school protests. Authorities expect around 250 protest actions and 60 marches nationwide, with police and gendarmes preparing for possible unrest.

Students protest 'In solidarity with students in France' in Berlin

Students in Germany expected to stage a protest "in solidarity with students in France" in Berlin.

Trump to return to Washington from Florida

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to return to the White House from Palm Beach, Florida.

⁠Developments amid visit by top Russian diplomat to Bahrain

Developments are followed as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to visit Bahrain, where he will take part in the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of Strategic Dialogue Between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia in the country's capital Manama. Lavrov is also expected to hold bilateral contacts on the sidelines of the event.

⁠Russia-Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine continue to report frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, continue.

Vietnam, EFTA sign free trade deal

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Vietnam sign a free trade agreement, after long-stalled talks were relaunched last year amid global tensions over US tariffs.

Cambodia, Thailand conclude UNCLOS conciliation meeting

Thailand and Cambodia conclude their five-day second meeting of the Conciliation Commission under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The first was held in Singapore in September.

Protest in Indian capital

Monitoring developments after India’s Cockroach Janta Party founder was released on bail after detention over a protest in the capital New Delhi, demanding the resignation of the chief election commissioner due to the alleged deletion of voters.

Fatma Zehra Solmaz