Capital of Turkey; political and diplomatic hub
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.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a donated Qatari Boeing 747 that the Air Force has converted for presidential use. The jet has been repainted in a red, white and dark-blue livery chosen by Trump and will serve as a temporary Air Force One until purpose-built Boeing planes arrive in 2028.