Turkish president since 2014; architect of AKP’s rise and a central figure in Turkish politics
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used his UN General Assembly address to accuse New York mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism and of endangering Jewish New Yorkers, while Mamdani has replied that Netanyahu is repeating "baseless lies" and remains subject to an ICC arrest warrant. Delegates and protesters have walked out and demonstrations in New York have been planned.
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 have received personalised vintage revolvers with live rounds from Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the Ankara summit. Many countries have left the guns in Turkey, will decommission them or have handed them to police or museums because importing functional firearms is illegal or impractical. Erdogan has not publicly commented.
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 Naoero, with the short form Naoero and citizens identified as dei-Naoero. The government has dropped plans for a referendum, saying the change reflects an existing national identity and heritage. Transition is underway and international bodies have been informed.
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.
Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity over the May interception of a flotilla heading to Gaza. The justice ministry has requested Interpol red notices as part of a case against 35 people. Israel denies the allegations and vows to continue actions against Ankara.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Osman Kavala’s continued detention after his 2022 life sentence violates his rights, citing structural flaws in Turkey’s judiciary. The court calls for Kavala’s immediate release and notes a pattern of political influence on justice in Turkey.
Leaders have convened in Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's 25th‑anniversary summit. Xi Jinping has told Vladimir Putin bilateral ties have grown "more solid" and promised "even brighter" prospects. The summit has drawn over a dozen heads of state while bilateral talks are focusing on economic cooperation, visa regimes and security topics as wars in Ukraine and between the US and Iran shape the agenda.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement among Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is being translated into an operational framework. Ministers and chiefs of staff are meeting in Istanbul to discuss interoperability, defence cooperation and potential expansion, including a possible role for Egypt. Observers say the pact aims to deter aggression and coordinate military planning in a volatile region.
Turkey has deepened its ties with Russia, highlighting bilateral energy cooperation and nuclear plans as Erdogan positions Turkey within the SCO while stressing Western ties remain intact.
The US Treasury has placed Golden Global Bank and two subsidiaries on its sanctions list, accusing the Istanbul-based lender of moving tens of millions of dollars for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and enabling Tehran to shift oil revenue through Turkey. The bank has denied the allegations and said it will pursue legal action; Washington says the move severs the institution from the US financial system.
The UAE has granted a presidential pardon to Abdul Rahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who faced a 10-year prison sentence and a 200,000 dirham fine in Abu Dhabi. The pardon follows extensive international scrutiny and his extradition from Lebanon in 2024-2025.
China is calibrating its Tehran relationship ahead of Xi’s Washington visit. Xi meets Iran’s Pezeshkian on the sidelines of SCO, signaling Beijing’s careful diplomacy while avoiding a public show of alignment. The SCO communique supports civilian nuclear development but stops short of concrete commitments.
Saudi Arabia has convened the chiefs of staff from Turkey and Pakistan to plan practical support under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement after weeks of Houthi missile and drone strikes. Military leaders have agreed to deepen intelligence sharing, integrate defensive capabilities and begin translating the pact into operational cooperation.
Turkish authorities have carried out coordinated raids across at least five provinces in a campaign called "My Family is Safe," detaining more than 100 people, searching LGBTQ+ and HIV‑advocacy offices, raiding bars and homes, and blocking social media accounts; ministers say the operation protects children and family values.
The Moscow Times reports that Russian grain exports face substantial disruption after drone and missile strikes damage key terminals in the Azov-Black Sea basin. Three of nine major terminals have suffered serious damage, idling about 53 million tons of capacity while Russia seeks alternative routes through Baltic and Arctic ports. Conditions threaten domestic inventories and could push up global prices.
The Sudanese conflict between the SAF and RSF has intensified, with drones and shelling shaping frontline towns. International pressure grows as the US pushes for a 90‑day humanitarian truce and a civilian-led path to peace, while aid agencies warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis.