Capital city of Turkey; political heart and second-largest urban center
Israel has shared intelligence with the United States this week that it says describes a new and specific Iranian plan to assassinate President Donald Trump, US outlets have reported. US officials have said Washington has seen a steady stream of threats; some US sources call the Israeli warning a fresh, specific tip and others say it reflects broader Iranian dialogue.
The US and Iran have exchanged strikes this week after attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has said the interim ceasefire is "over" while US forces have carried out multiple strikes and revoked a temporary waiver on Iranian oil sales. Mediators are working to restart talks as oil prices and markets react to renewed hostilities (10 Jul 2026).
NATO leaders have gathered in Ankara for a July 7–8 summit as the United States has pushed allies to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP and to assume more conventional defence responsibilities. President Donald Trump has criticised many allies for not joining U.S. operations in the war on Iran and has floated reducing U.S. forces and assets in Europe, forcing talks on implementation and a larger European defence role.
President Donald Trump has visited Ankara for a NATO summit and has pressed allies to raise defence spending, threatened trade measures, floated removing US troops from Europe and signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and consider selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara. Israel has warned against arming Turkey, while European leaders are pledging new defence spending commitments.
President Donald Trump has publicly taunted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a G7 photo, posting a meme that said "Restraining order needed" and repeating that she "begged" for a picture. European leaders have rallied to Meloni, and Washington is reviewing U.S. force posture in Europe after allies refused base access for strikes on Iran.
The United States and Iran have escalated military action around the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM saying it has hit over 80 targets in Iran to degrade its ability to threaten navigation. Iran denies de-escalation and has launched attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and other sites, raising fears of a broader conflict as regional tensions flare and oil shipments face disruption.
An Austrian court has found Khaled al-Halabi and Musab Abu Rukbah guilty of torture and related crimes committed in Raqqa between 2011 and 2013, under universal jurisdiction. The verdicts order prison terms and compensation for victims, underscoring ongoing prosecutions of Syria-linked abuses in Europe.
The Times of Israel, Axios, Al Jazeera and other outlets report on a forthcoming White House meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, as they reaffirm shared goals on Iran. Trump has publicly asserted control over talks while Netanyahu emphasizes a strong US-Israel alliance. A NATO summit and ongoing ceasefire negotiations frame the context for possible joint actions and strategy.
Leaders attending the Ankara NATO summit have received personalised Gumusay revolvers with live ammunition as gifts from Turkish President Erdogan. The gifts, engraved with each recipient’s name, highlight Turkey’s growing defence industry. Several leaders intend to decommission or locally store the weapons due to import/export rules.
The Defence Investment Plan has raised questions about whether the UK will reach Nato’s 3.5% of GDP core defence target by 2035. Recent reporting shows critics arguing that the plan edges the target without fully funding it, while ministers insist the trajectory remains on track.
Leaders reaffirm the Article 5 pledge and European defense increases; Trump has attacked Spain over spending, pressed for Greenland’s future, and signaled the U.S. may reconsider alliance commitments. Ukraine gains fresh support as defense deals and aid are announced, while doubts linger about unity and strategy.
U.S. forces have intensified strikes on Iran, with CENTCOM confirming new targets as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and a fragile ceasefire appear to fray. President Trump has framed the actions as retribution, while allies weigh potential escalation and responses from Israel.
Trump has declared that Spain is a “wasted cause” and a “terrible partner in NATO,” calling for a cut to all trade and visits. At the NATO summit, he has also suggested the Iran ceasefire is over, while insisting the United States remains focused on NATO commitments.
Turkey has warned of Kurdish mobilisations in Iran and Iraq while PKK elements push for guarantees and a defined role for Abdullah Ocalan. Ankara maintains disarmament as a precondition for broader reforms, with stalled parliamentary momentum and ongoing regional tensions complicating prospects for renewed peace.
The Guardian and The Japan Times report that Europe is accelerating planning for independent defense amid questions over US commitment in a potential crisis, with troop withdrawals and new deterrence efforts under discussion. Germany, France and others are expanding defence readiness as EU drills test mutual aid and national strategies.
An Ankara appeals court has annulled the CHP's November 2023 congress, has suspended leader Özgür Özel and has provisionally reinstated former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The CHP has appealed, Özel has vowed to fight the ruling and remain at party headquarters, and markets have reacted with a sharp sell-off.
A Turkish court has removed Ozgur Ozol as CHP leader, reinstating former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Large protests have followed in Ankara as Ozol urges immediate party congress, arguing the ruling overturns a 2023 congress. Kilicdaroglu plans to convene a new congress as supporters call for party renewal amid a political stalemate.
A Turkish appeals court has overturned Ozgur Ozel's leadership of the CHP, reinstating Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel is rallying supporters and calling for a party congress; police have evacuated the CHP headquarters in Ankara amid protests. The move is fueling a fresh confrontation between the opposition and President Erdogan's government ahead of elections.
Iran’s World Cup participation has faced visa hurdles amid US-Iran tensions. Officials say players, coaches and some staff have visas, while some backroom staff remain visa-free. Iran moved training from Arizona to Tijuana and will play group games in the United States, Seattle and Los Angeles, with the federation pursuing FIFA-led resolution.
Mohamed Salah has recovered from a hamstring strain and has taken part in light training ahead of Egypt’s World Cup round-of-32 match against Australia in Dallas. Coach Hossam Hassan has said Salah is fit to play but may not start, leaving the team to balance his influence with caution after he left the Iran game early and underwent scans and treatment.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a Qatari‑donated Boeing 747 that the Air Force has converted and repainted as a temporary Air Force One. The plane has completed flight testing, will serve as a "bridge" until purpose‑built VC‑25Bs arrive around 2028, and has drawn questions about cost, security and the ethics of accepting a foreign gift.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help find a settlement to the Russia–Ukraine war during a nearly 90‑minute call with Vladimir Putin and has agreed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue talks at next week’s NATO summit. Ukraine has struck oil and military targets near St Petersburg and Russia has launched heavy missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
The Czech Republic’s president has secured a place in the official delegation to the NATO summit in Ankara, after a court injunction forced the government to accredit him. The move comes as Prime Minister Babiš faces scrutiny over defence spending and the separation of powers.
Turkish President Erdogan has urged the EU and NATO to integrate Turkey into Europe’s defence and security programs, citing Turkey’s role in European security. The push comes as the EU weighs the SAFE initiative and Greece signals possible veto ahead of a July NATO summit in Istanbul.
The Guardian reports that Ireland has begun its rotating EU presidency with a ceremony at Dublin Castle attended by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy and top EU figures. Leaders discuss Ukraine’s EU bid on a merit-based timeline and budget priorities, with emphasis on ending the war and shaping the next EU budget.
The New York Times, Bloomberg and the New York Post report on Dutch PM Mark Rutte briefing President Trump with charts titled “The Trump Trillion” and “The Trump 47 Effect,” highlighting increased NATO defense spending since 2017 and Trump’s Iran stance. Rutte’s attempt to align European allies with Trump’s Iran policy is met with resistance; Trump cites mixed European support and ongoing concerns.
The Fed’s inflation gauge has reached a three-year high in May as gas prices peaked, signaling rising costs amid a shifting economy. Consumer prices are up 4.1% year over year, with core inflation also ticking higher. Spending showed resilience while service prices and AI-driven component costs push broader prices upward.
A federal judge blocks the Trump administration's rule redefining qualifying employers for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, while another judge rules the rule is contrary to law. The ruling preserves PSLF benefits for workers in government and nonprofits and prompts Education Department review. The litigation spans multiple states and advocacy groups.
Turkish authorities are pursuing a wide crackdown on dissent as NATO prepares for a summit in Ankara. Prosecutors have expanded investigations and dozens of reporters, academics, and politicians face detentions or prosecutions. Opposition leaders are under pressure while President Erdogan’s government stresses judicial independence.
The European-led response to Russia's shadow fleet has intensified, with France and Britain intercepting suspected vessels near Sicily as Kyiv reports further strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Zelensky has authorized a 40-day operation aimed at pressuring Moscow to end the war, while Moscow archives a substantial collection of Ukrainian books.
Ukraine has expanded long‑range drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refineries and fuel infrastructure, hitting facilities from Siberia to the Black Sea since late June. The attacks have forced outages at major plants, triggered fuel rationing and price spikes across Russian regions and added pressure on Moscow's military logistics and export routes.
The incoming UK prime minister is urged to boost defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 as experts warn current plans are too bare to deter threats from Moscow. A Defence Investment Plan is due to be published before the NATO summit, with ministers negotiating funding amid resignations in the MoD.
Israel has moved to recognise the Armenian genocide in a cabinet-backed proposal, a measure that still requires Knesset ratification. The move comes as Israel-Turkey ties deteriorate over Israel’s Gaza war, with commentators calling it a cynical bid to pressure Ankara. Several European and regional voices have weighed in on the implications for regional diplomacy.
Cross-border drone and air strikes escalate hostility between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan reports four drones intercepted from Afghanistan and vows a measured but forceful response; Afghan authorities say air strikes have targeted militant hideouts. Civil casualties rise as both sides accuse each other of aggression amid ongoing tit-for-tat operations.
Abdul Ahad Momand, Afghanistan’s first and only astronaut, has died of cancer in Stuttgart, Germany, on June 21. Born in Ghazni, he flew on the Mir space station in 1988 as part of a Soviet-led mission and later lived in exile. His legacy is marked by a historic spaceflight that connected Afghanistan with the wider cosmos.
U.S. Treasury yields have fluctuated amid hawkish signals from Fed Chair Warsh and ongoing data momentum. Investors await key jobs data and FOMC minutes to gauge policy direction.
Egypt’s captain Mohamed Salah is available for the last‑32 World Cup match against Australia after a hamstring strain, with coach Hossam Hassan confirming he is fit to play. Salah may start or come off the bench as Egypt look to advance, while injuries to teammates threaten defensive depth.
Russia has launched large overnight missile and drone strikes on Kyiv on 6 July 2026, killing at least 11 people in the capital and at least one nearby, and injuring dozens. The attacks have damaged multiple residential buildings across several districts, prompted rescue operations and renewed Ukrainian calls for more air-defence missiles ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara.
The NATO alliance has seen European allies largely fill gaps after the United States signals reduced support. Leaders are meeting at a summit in Ankara to align forces and plan contingencies, with officials stressing resilience and continued allied commitments.
Ukraine denies Russian claims that Kostyantynivka has fallen, while Moscow pushes a narrative of battlefield advances. Both sides report ongoing operations around Donetsk as Kyiv and Moscow exchange statements amid long-running fighting.
French President Emmanuel Macron has visited Damascus to discuss strengthening bilateral relations as Syria seeks reconstruction after years of civil war. He has met Syrian officials and plans to attend a NATO summit in Ankara, highlighting Europe’s interest in re-engaging with Damascus amid regional stability efforts.
Trump has arrived in Turkey for a NATO summit, meeting Erdogan ahead of the alliance gathering. He has pledged talks with Zelenskyy and other leaders, and discussions are expected to focus on Ukraine and the war in Ukraine as well as Syria’s role in the Middle East.
Canada has selected ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build up to 12 diesel-electric submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy, with the deal potentially worth tens of billions and deliveries starting in the early 2030s; the decision underpins Canada’s NATO commitments and defence spending targets.
Ukraine has been granted a licence to manufacture Patriot missiles, but experts say production will take months to years and will not immediately resolve shortages as Russia intensifies strikes across Kyiv and other regions amid NATO talks.
The NATO summit in Ankara is shaping up as a test for alliance unity as President Trump’s threats to curb U.S. involvement collide with Turkey’s bid to leverage its ties with Trump. Turkey’s foreign minister says the Erdogan-Trump rapport could ease tensions, while other members weigh new security arrangements amid funding and defence-spending debates.
The United States has signaled the removal of Syria from its designated state sponsors of terrorism, with President Trump telling Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa that barriers to rebuilding will be removed and US investment will follow. Congress will review for 45 days before any change takes effect, and officials say sanctions relief could accelerate Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration, though experts caution structural reforms are still needed.
Fed minutes show policymakers are divided on whether to raise rates this year; markets are betting on a cautious path with speculation about AI inflation and Middle East tensions affecting decisions. Warsh has not provided a clear stand as minutes reflect a range of scenarios.
Ukraine has struck oil depots and tankers across Russia, triggering a fuel shortage and rationing in multiple regions. Trump pledges Patriot licenses as Kyiv seeks faster domestic production.
Canada’s Mark Carney has arrived in Saudi Arabia to deepen economic ties, with a focus on mining, energy cooperation, and investment in AI and skills development. The visit follows a 2023 diplomatic reset and precedes a signing ceremony for commercial agreements worth over CAD 1 billion.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has affirmed the alliance's unity amid Donald Trump’s strong criticisms of allies, the Greenland proposal, and calls to cut Spain from Nato. Leaders pledge funding increases, while the US pressures Europe to bear a larger defence burden.