Turkish president and longtime leader, shaping a polarized political landscape
The CHP has witnessed a violent confrontation as riot police raid the party headquarters in Ankara after an appeals court nullified Ozgur Ozel’s election as party chair, replacing him with Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel and supporters have resisted inside, marching toward Parliament amid clashes and property damage during Eid al-Adha’s early hours.
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.
Ukraine has confirmed that Roman Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to convey messages to the Kremlin about peace prospects. Zelensky says Abramovich offered to relay Kyiv’s position to Putin and sought a face-to-face meeting. Putin has indicated no point in such talks, suggesting any settlement would require long-term guarantees.
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.
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.
President Donald Trump has overridden the NATO agenda at a summit in Ankara by pressing allies to boost defence spending, threatening trade with Spain, and floating withdrawal of US troops from Europe. He has also signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting Israeli and European alarm.
The US has carried out repeated air and naval strikes across Iran to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and Gulf allies, and the IRGC has warned civilians near US forces to stay away; the exchanges have closed much of the strait and pushed oil prices higher.
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.
NATO leaders at the Ankara summit have received engraved revolvers with six live rounds and a note waiving export controls. The gifts, intended to showcase Turkey’s defence industry, are being handled under strict decommissioning and security protocols as leaders decide how to manage the firearms.
The governor of Ardahan province has been removed by presidential decree on 17 July. Critics say he spent too much time on social media and cycling, while supporters highlight his work promoting sports and youth programs. A petition to reinstate him has gathered over 10,000 signatures.
Netanyahu has met with Trump in Washington to review three approaches to Iran: a diplomatic deal, sustained economic pressure with a blockade, or a renewed military campaign. The discussions, conducted without public detail, aim to determine the path that best prevents a nuclear Iran while considering global energy impacts.
Lebanon’s President and Turkey’s leader have discussed ways to expand Ankara’s role in security for southern Lebanon as UNIFIL’s mandate ends. While Erdogan signals interest in contributing to a post-UNIFIL framework, observers caution that Israel may oppose Ankara’s involvement. The talks come amid broader regional tensions and stalled diplomacy.
Nauru has renamed itself to the Republic of Naoero and the short form to Naoero, with citizens called dei-Naoero. A referendum on the change has been dropped after deliberation; the move is framed as preserving heritage and identity, with the government notifying international bodies and beginning the transition.
Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, reverting to its traditional designation. The government says the move strengthens national identity and heritage; the UN and several foreign ministries have updated their listings accordingly. A referendum was not pursued, with lawmakers endorsing the change after “extensive discussions.” The transition will also affect the country’s international code and demonym.