Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Efforts to end US-Iran war amid stalled talks
Attempts to restart talks after the US and Iran rejected each other’s proposals to end the war, as Pakistan still plans to continue mediation and sees no immediate danger of renewed full-scale war, despite Trump rejecting Iran’s counterproposal. Tehran says it is ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US ends its blockade of Iranian ports, but is also demanding sanctions relief, release of frozen assets, and compensation for war damage.
Israeli army attacks on Lebanon despite ceasefire
The ongoing Israeli army attacks on Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and is set to remain in place until May 17. Israel’s violations of the truce include shelling, deadly airstrikes, and large-scale home demolitions across dozens of villages in southern Lebanon.
US President Trump's visit to China
Trump is set to arrive in Beijing for a state visit, the first by any sitting US president in nine years. He is expected to land at Beijing Capital Airport before heading to his hotel. Chinese President Xi Jinping will host him on Thursday.
US Senate to hold final vote on Fed Chair nomination
The US Senate is scheduled to hold a final vote to confirm the nomination of Kevin Warsh to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, replacing incumbent Jerome Powell.
Vote counting in Peru presidential election’s 1st round in final stretch
Peruvian presidential candidates Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez are leading in a protracted vote count after elections were held roughly a month ago. The South American country’s election authorities have said a result would be declared by Friday, with over 99.9% of ballots tallied as of Tuesday. Trailing in third place is Rafael Lopez Aliaga.
UK political developments amid resignations
Reactions and political developments in UK politics after multiple junior ministers resigned from the government as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls for his resignation after an electoral setback. Meanwhile, more than 70 Labour lawmakers urge the premier to resign or set out plans to step down after local election losses.
State opening of UK Parliament
Britain’s King Charles III formally opens a new parliamentary session and previews his government's forthcoming legislation. Prime Minister Starmer has pledged to bring in legislation to ban state-backed groups such as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps.
UK foreign secretary’s China briefing for business leaders
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosts senior business leaders for a briefing on China. As part of the Lancaster House series, the session is intended to help UK firms navigate geopolitical risk while reinforcing wider government action to support UK growth through trade engagement.
FAO report on recycled plastic
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is set to launch a report on the safety concerns regarding recycled plastic in food packaging.
WHO World Health Statistics report
The World Health Organization to launch its World Health Statistics report, an annual compilation of global health and health-related indicators.
Romania hosts B9 summit
Romania hosts the Bucharest Nine (B9) and Nordic Countries Summit. Heads of state and senior officials from the Baltic and Nordic countries are expected to attend, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also joins and holds a press conference with Romanian President Nicusor Dan and Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
Russia-Ukraine war, possible prisoner exchange
Developments in Ukraine amid the ongoing Moscow-Kyiv war, including preparations for a possible 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange mediated by the US. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Monday that contacts are continuing “at the appropriate level” to finalize the framework of the exchange.
Meeting of Russian, Indian foreign ministers
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as part of his visit to New Delhi. The ministers will focus on efforts aimed at boosting trade, invigorating efforts to create stable transport, logistical, and financial channels protected from unlawful external pressures, intensifying energy cooperation, and expanding contacts in science and space technologies.
2nd Asian Women's Forum in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
The 2nd Asian Women's Forum to take place on May 13-15 in the Uzbek city of Bukhara. The event will be organized jointly with UN Women and the UN Population Fund. The forum is expected to address a wide range of issues related to women's empowerment in different sectors.
Chinese, US trade negotiators set agenda for Beijing summit between Xi, Trump
Top Chinese trade negotiator He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meet in South Korea to set the agenda for the Beijing summit between the US and Chinese presidents. Tariffs, balancing trade, AI, and supply chains remain high on the agenda at the meeting of trade negotiators in Seoul.
South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung separately receives Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, as well as US Treasury Secretary Bessent. In their separate meetings, Lee is expected to discuss bilateral trade ties with Beijing and Washington.
China’s Foreign Ministry holds news conference
The Chinese Foreign Ministry holds its regular news conference with the US president’s China trip high on the agenda.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s current account
Türkiye to release current account balance figures for March. The previous month saw a deficit of $7.5 billion.
Eurozone GDP
Eurostat to release provisional GDP figures for euro area. Eurozone economy has expanded 0.8% in last quarter of 2025, and a similar figure is expected for the first quarter of this year. The statistical authority will also release employment and industrial production figures.
US producer prices
The US to release the producer prices index for March. In February, prices increased by 4% year-on-year.
Inflation figures
The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany (wholesale), and France will release inflation figures.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Alternative ‘United for Palestine’ festival challenges Eurovision over Israel
Report from an alternative song festival titled “United for Palestine” held in Brussels as a protest against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The story explains how organizers are presenting the event as a cultural and political protest, with a lineup including former Belgian Eurovision representatives and other local artists. It also explores wider debate over Israel’s participation in international cultural events amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
It includes interviews with former Belgian Eurovision representatives Gustaph, Laura Tesoro and Palestinian singer Bashar Murad, focusing on questions around political responsibility in the arts.
As Hormuz stalemate deepens, fears grow for global hunger and climate crises
Report examining warnings from German climate NGOs and policy experts that the Iran war and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could deepen global hunger, fuel inflation, and undermine climate goals.
The story explores how rising oil and fertilizer prices are threatening food security in poorer countries already struggling with climate shocks and economic instability, while also placing pressure on international climate finance commitments ahead of COP31 in Antalya.
It features comments from Christiane Averbeck of Climate Alliance Germany, Sabine Minninger of Bread for the World, and Jan Kowalzig of Oxfam Deutschland, who argue that the crisis highlights the dangers of fossil fuel dependence and the need for stronger renewable energy investment, multilateral cooperation, and climate funding commitments from wealthy countries.