Turkish president since 2014; central figure in AKP since 2001
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.
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.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek has leaders from China, Russia and India attending as partners discuss regional cooperation. Talks point to China and Russia strengthening ties and expanding influence, with India hedging its position amid competing regional interests. Turkiye seeks a more permanent role while maintaining ties with the West.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used his UN General Assembly address to accuse New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism, of supporting Hamas and of making Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe. Mamdani has replied that Netanyahu is repeating "baseless lies" and remains subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant; protests and walkouts have followed the speech.
Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani chiefs of staff have met in Riyadh to begin turning the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement into operational cooperation after a recent surge in Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and shipping. Officials have agreed to deepen military and intelligence ties and to integrate defensive capabilities under the pact.
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.
The United States-led coalition has completed its orderly withdrawal from Erbil, handing security responsibilities to Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga. Iraq aims to preserve sovereignty amid Iran-aligned pressure and regional volatility. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is pushing to place weapons under state control while diversifying the economy to reduce external influence.
Syrian officials and Hezbollah representatives have held talks in Turkey to de-escalate tensions, with both Damascus and Hezbollah denying a final agreement. Reuters cites sources indicating discussions focused on stopping arms transfers and dismantling sleeper cells, while Turkey and other actors deny the meeting. The talks are described as an initial attempt to move from battlefield hostilities toward a pragmatic, if cautious, arrangement.
A series of Houthi missile and drone strikes has struck Saudi airports this week, including a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International that has killed and wounded dozens and forced prolonged airport closures. Saudi and allied forces are mounting counter‑operations in Yemen while global leaders have condemned the assaults and airlines have suspended flights.
The Turkish authorities have raided Halk TV, detaining 17 individuals and appointing a trustee to run the channel. The move disrupts broadcasting and follows an investigation into the channel’s chairman on bribery, bid rigging and money laundering allegations. The action has drawn condemnation from opposition figures and human rights groups as concerns about press freedom in Turkey mount.
Authorities have appointed a government trustee to Halk TV, halting broadcasts and triggering a clash over press freedom as prosecutors pursue a broad corruption case against Istanbul officials. Journalists report the building is sealed and operations are blocked while opposition groups condemn the move.
The Azerbaijani government has tightened dress rules in state schools to enforce secularism. Protests have erupted, and authorities are detaining demonstrators as the debate widens to involve Turkey and regional partners.