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As of September 24, 2025, Turkey's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), led by Ozgur Ozel, faces intensified legal challenges. Courts are reviewing allegations of vote rigging at the CHP's 2023 congress, threatening to unseat Ozel. The crackdown includes arrests of CHP members, notably Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, fueling protests and political tension ahead of the 2028 elections.
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Turkey has signed a deal with Britain to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets for £8 billion, with plans to acquire additional aircraft from Qatar and Oman. The move aims to bolster Turkey’s air power amid regional tensions, and follows Ankara’s diplomatic efforts to increase its influence in the Middle East and NATO.
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As of late October 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu faces new espionage charges linked to alleged ties between his campaign and a businessman arrested for foreign intelligence activities. Imamoglu, detained since March on corruption allegations he denies, was questioned publicly for the first time in seven months amid protests. The opposition CHP views this as part of a broader government crackdown ahead of the 2028 election.
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Pope Leo, the first American pope, is visiting Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. The trip commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and includes a prayer at the Beirut port blast site. The visit aims to promote interfaith dialogue and regional peace amid ongoing tensions.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Turkey and reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's right to self-defense amid tensions with Turkish President Erdogan. Erdogan criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing it of genocide and seeking to suppress Palestinians through famine and violence. The visit highlighted NATO tensions and differing views on the Gaza conflict.
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Turkey, along with several Muslim nations, is working to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza to oversee ceasefire implementation and governance. Despite Israeli opposition, Turkey emphasizes Palestinian self-governance and increased humanitarian aid amid ongoing violence and ceasefire violations.
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On November 11, 2025, a Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border shortly after departing Azerbaijan en route to Turkey. All 20 personnel aboard, including flight crew, were killed. Search and rescue operations were conducted by Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani authorities. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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On November 22, 2025, Australia and Turkey resolved a multi-year dispute over hosting the 2026 UN climate summit, COP31. Turkey will host the summit in Antalya, while Australia will preside over negotiations and lead pre-COP events focused on Pacific climate financing. The deal ends a deadlock that risked defaulting the summit to Germany and drew criticism from Pacific nations.
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Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will meet at the UN peacekeeping envoy's residence to discuss reunification efforts. Erhurman, elected in October, aims to revive stalled negotiations, while Turkey's Erdogan advocates a two-state solution, complicating prospects for reunification.
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Ukraine is pushing to restart peace negotiations with Russia, with recent efforts focused on prisoner exchanges mediated by Turkey and the UAE. Ukrainian officials hope to release 1,200 prisoners before the holidays amid ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and military positions.
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Israeli forces intensified strikes in Gaza, violating the ceasefire with ongoing shelling and ground operations. Palestinian casualties and destruction continue, while Israel reports ongoing violations and military activity. Hezbollah mourns an assassinated commander in Lebanon, raising fears of broader conflict. The situation remains volatile as fighting persists.
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Turkish President Erdogan plans to speak with Putin about ending the Ukraine war, including reviving the grain deal and stopping Ukrainian deaths. Erdogan hosted Zelensky and discussed diplomatic efforts, while maintaining Turkey's balanced stance between Kyiv and Moscow amid ongoing conflict.
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Pope Leo, the first US pope, is on a three-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and advocating for Christian unity, regional peace, and interfaith dialogue amid ongoing conflicts and regional tensions.
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Turkish courts have acquitted four journalists, including AFP's Yasin Akgul, who were arrested during protests over Istanbul's opposition mayor. The decision highlights ongoing issues with press freedom amid political tensions and protests sparked by opposition figures' arrests.
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Pope Leo arrived in Turkey on his first international trip, emphasizing Turkey's role as a mediator in conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine. He called for dialogue, peace, and Christian-Muslim unity, while addressing issues such as women's rights and regional stability. The visit marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
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A Ukrainian naval drone attack targeted Russian vessels near Turkey, prompting Turkish condemnation. The incident highlights escalating Black Sea conflicts amid Ukraine-Russia tensions, with Turkey warning all parties. Ukrainian claims responsibility for the attack, which involved maritime drones, while Turkey emphasizes the threat to navigation and regional stability. Today’s date: Tue, 02 Dec 2025.