Erdoğan: Türkiye counters regional ‘bloodshed’ schemes, advances defence

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that Türkiye is actively countering efforts to reshape the region through “bloodshed and tears” in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Yemen, while continuing to strengthen its defence industry and national unity.

Fidan, Araghchi discuss region, Iran-US talks by phone

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call to discuss regional developments and the current state of US‑Iran negotiations. No further details were provided.

Türkiye and Vatican share common ground on peace, humanitarian efforts

Turkish Ambassador to the Vatican Fahrettin Altun stated that Türkiye’s mediation initiatives and the Holy See’s humanitarian efforts complement each other, highlighting broad convergence on major global challenges including the Gaza war, Ukraine conflict, and Iran-US tensions.

Trump eyes Iran deal to reopen Hormuz, extend ceasefire 'next week'

US President Donald Trump told ABC News that a ceasefire extension and agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be finalized within days, following his intervention to halt clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

UN sees diplomatic push 'averting escalation' as Israel advances in Lebanon

UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee said on Monday that intensive last-minute diplomacy appears to be averting further regional escalation, while warning that Israeli military advances into Lebanon mark a dangerous deterioration undermining April's cessation of hostilities understanding.

Iran strikes vessel linked to US, Israel in retaliatory attack

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Monday its naval forces targeted a vessel linked to the US and Israel with a cruise missile, describing the strike as retaliation for an alleged American attack on an Iranian ship in the Sea of Oman.

Israeli warplanes strike Lebanon despite Trump ceasefire bid

Israeli warplanes launched fresh raids across southern Lebanon on Monday evening, local media reported, pressing ahead with operations despite US President Donald Trump's earlier announcement of a ceasefire understanding between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah.

Italian president condemns Israel attacks on Lebanon, warns of wider war

Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Monday condemned ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon as "brutal" and warned that fueling resentment risks spreading conflict across the Middle East, citing the death of more than 3,400 people since March despite a ceasefire that took effect in mid-April.

Netanyahu cancels Beirut strikes after Trump intervention, faces backlash

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came under fire on Monday from political rivals for halting a planned bombing campaign on Beirut following direct pressure from US President Donald Trump.

Belgian FM sees Iran-US talks as opportunity for comprehensive peace

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington present an opportunity for a comprehensive peace agreement covering Lebanon, urging both sides to swiftly reach a deal while respecting Beirut's territorial integrity.

UN better equipped but under-resourced, Guterres warns

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the UN system faces an unprecedented funding decline just 1,700 days before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline. He outlined four essential actions, including deeper alignment with national priorities, stable core funding, and reprioritising spending away from military budgets.

Iran warns northern Israel residents to evacuate if Beirut attacked

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters has warned residents of northern Israel to leave the area if Israel carries out threats to expand attacks on Beirut. Tehran views any crossing of red lines in Lebanon and Gaza as direct war, threatening to open new fronts.

Trump welcomes ‘going silent’ as Iran reportedly suspends talks

President Donald Trump has said that “going silent would be very good” amid reports Iran has suspended indirect peace talks with the US through mediators. Trump vowed to maintain the naval blockade, describing it as a “piece of steel,” as Tehran demands an end to fighting in Lebanon.

Iran holds US responsible for Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has warned that the United States bears direct responsibility for the consequences of Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon, stating that Tehran will defend its interests “wherever necessary” under its inherent right to self‑defence.

Iran seeks Pakistan’s help to ease Lebanon tensions

Iran has requested Pakistan’s diplomatic assistance to help reduce regional tensions and preserve the ceasefire in Lebanon, amid Israeli violations and reported plans for attacks in Beirut. Iran has also suspended indirect exchanges with the US in protest.

Erdogan: Türkiye-Azerbaijani gas supplies bolster Syria, regional security

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that natural gas deliveries to Syria launched under a joint Turkish-Azerbaijani initiative last August will reinforce the war-torn country's reconstruction and strengthen regional stability, noting that the project demonstrates the strategic depth of bilateral energy cooperation.

Trump, Syria’s al-Sharaa discuss sanctions relief and reconstruction

US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa held a phone call discussing Syria’s recovery, reconstruction, and regional stability. Al-Sharaa told Trump that lifting remaining sanctions would be fundamental for economic recovery, while Trump stressed diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

EU's Kallas praises Pakistan's role in facilitating US-Iran talks

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for continued negotiations between the US and Iran while praising Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides. She said the conflict is impacting energy and fertilizer prices worldwide, emphasizing the need for a lasting ceasefire.

Iran says US ceasefire covers Lebanon, warns violation anywhere breaks truce

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the ceasefire between Iran and the US applies to “all fronts, including Lebanon,” and that a violation on any front constitutes a breach of the entire truce. He warned that the US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation. His remarks came as Israel ordered airstrikes in Beirut.

US strikes Iranian radar, drone command centers in Goruk and Qeshm Island

US Central Command announced strikes on Iranian radar and drone command centers in the Goruk region and Qeshm Island in retaliation for the downing of a US MQ-1 drone in international waters. US warplanes destroyed air defense systems, a ground control station, and two attack drones. No US casualties were reported.

47 Turkish universities ranked among world’s best by CWUR

A total of 47 Turkish universities have been included in the Center for World University Rankings’ 2026 list of the world’s top 2,000 institutions. Hacettepe University ranked highest in Türkiye at 666th globally, followed by Istanbul University, Ankara University, METU, and Boğaziçi University.

Türkiye’s economy grows 2.5% in Q1 2026, below expectations

Türkiye’s GDP expanded 2.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, slowing from 3.4% in the previous quarter and below market expectations of 2.7%. Household consumption rose 4.8%, but exports of goods and services fell 12.7%. The industrial sector contracted 0.8%, while information and communication led growth at 9.5%.

Kremlin condemns France’s interception of Russian tanker as ‘illegal,’ bordering on piracy

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called France’s interception of a sanctioned tanker traveling from Russia in the Atlantic Ocean “illegal” and “bordering on international piracy.” President Macron defended the seizure as part of enforcing sanctions and maritime law. Russia is seeking information on crew nationals, including a Russian captain.

Trump says Iran 'really wants' deal, urges critics to stop 'chirping'

US President Donald Trump said early Monday that Tehran 'really wants' to reach an agreement with Washington, criticizing political opponents and members of his own party for what he called unprecedented 'chirping' that complicates ongoing negotiations aimed at ending months of conflict.