Turkish president holds talks with KRG’s Barzani at Antalya forum

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a bilateral meeting with Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also attended the talks. Erdoğan has been conducting a series of diplomatic engagements at the forum, including separate meetings with leaders from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Comoros, DR Congo, Burundi, and Libya’s prime minister.

Erdogan discusses Gaza, bilateral ties at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in comprehensive diplomatic discussions with world leaders during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, addressing bilateral relations, trade partnerships, and pressing security challenges. The high-level meetings extensively covered the escalating humanitarian situation in Gaza, regional ceasefire efforts involving multiple international actors, and strategic cooperation in defense and energy sectors, according to official statements from Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.

Zelenskyy ready for potential Putin meeting in Türkiye, says foreign minister

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, possibly involving Turkish President Erdogan and US President Trump. Kyiv has formally appealed to Ankara to organize the summit.

Iran strikes US vessels with drones after seizure of cargo ship

Iranian forces launched drone strikes against multiple American vessels in retaliation after US forces fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, according to Iranian media. Iran warned it would respond “soon” to what it called a ceasefire violation and act of piracy.

US envoy: No ‘trust’ approach to Iran, any deal must be verifiable

UN Ambassador Mike Waltz said the US will “never take an approach of trust” toward Iran, insisting any nuclear deal must be “verifiable and enforceable.” He spoke as American officials head to Pakistan for a second round of talks. Waltz added that Iran is diplomatically isolated and lacks leverage.

Iran to join US talks in Islamabad despite Hormuz clashes

Iran will participate in the second round of US talks in Islamabad on Tuesday despite fresh hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani sources said. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf, is expected to arrive as the US team, possibly led by Vice President JD Vance, also heads to Pakistan.

US strikes Iranian ship in Hormuz, Iran retaliates with drone attack

President Trump announced that the US Navy disabled an Iranian cargo vessel attempting to breach the Gulf of Oman blockade, with Marines now controlling the ship. Iran’s armed forces retaliated by launching drone strikes against US warships, according to semi-official Tasnim News Agency. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have sharply escalated.

Iran says over 20 passenger planes damaged in US-Israeli attacks

More than 20 passenger aircraft sustained significant damage during US-Israeli strikes on Iran, according to the head of Iran’s Airlines Association. He dismissed reports of 40-60 planes being hit, adding that 95% of airport capacity remains intact. Iran now has 130 active planes, down from 150 before the attacks.

Iran vows ‘all capabilities’ to counter rising US threats

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Pakistani counterpart that Tehran will use “all capabilities” to defend national interests against growing US threats. He accused Washington of breaching past understandings and showing insincerity in diplomacy, citing military aggression during negotiations and recent ceasefire violations.

UAE seeks US currency swap as Iran war threatens Gulf economy

The United Arab Emirates is negotiating with Washington to secure a dollar liquidity lifeline as the expanding conflict with Iran threatens to drain foreign reserves and destabilize the oil-dependent economy. Senior Emirati officials held critical meetings with US Treasury and Federal Reserve representatives last week to discuss emergency currency swap arrangements that would provide a financial backstop should the war prolong further.

Iran warns Hormuz security tied to ending oil export curbs

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that the security of the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed if Iran’s oil exports remain restricted. “No one can restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” he said, adding that the world faces a choice between a free oil market or significant costs.

US forces seize Iranian ship after it defies Gulf blockade

US President Donald Trump announced that American naval forces intercepted and disabled the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel TOUSKA after it ignored warnings to stop in the Gulf of Oman. The USS Spruance blew a hole in the ship’s engine room, and US Marines now hold the vessel. Iran has not yet responded.

16 Israeli soldiers killed, 690 wounded since Feb. 28: Army

Israeli military data released Sunday shows 16 soldiers have been killed and 690 wounded since February 28 in attacks linked to Iran and Lebanon. Among the wounded, 96 are seriously injured and 42 critically. Two soldiers were killed earlier Sunday by explosive devices in southern Lebanon.

Pakistani premier briefs Iran president ahead of possible US talks

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to brief him on his recent tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye ahead of a possible second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad. Sharif thanked Iran for its constructive engagement with Pakistan’s army chief.

Trump shut out of Iran rescue room due to impatience: Report

Presidential advisers deliberately excluded Donald Trump from live updates during the recent extraction of American pilots from Iranian territory, fearing his notorious restlessness would compromise the sensitive mission. The Republican leader received carefully timed briefings only when operations reached critical junctures, with the final successful recovery deliberately delayed in reporting to avoid premature reactions that could have jeopardized military personnel.

Iran says US policies blocking progress in talks, no breakthrough in sight

Iran’s state media reported that US demands are “excessive, unreasonable, and unrealistic,” accusing Washington of shifting positions and maintaining a naval blockade that violates the ceasefire agreement. Tehran sees no clear signs of progress under current conditions, dismissing US media narratives as a “media game.”

Trump sends envoys to Pakistan for ‘last chance’ Iran talks

President Trump announced US representatives will travel to Islamabad for negotiations with Iran, calling it the “last chance” for a deal. He warned that if Tehran refuses, “the whole country is getting blown up.” The talks come amid fresh tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Trump alleges Iranian forces targeted vessels, violating a ceasefire.

USS Gerald R. Ford redeploys to Middle East following Croatia repairs

The nuclear-powered USS Gerald R. Ford has transited the Suez Canal to resume operations in the Red Sea, rejoining Middle East waters after emergency maintenance in Croatia. The vessel, which suffered onboard fire damage in March, now operates alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln as Washington reinforces its naval presence amid sensitive diplomatic engagements with Tehran.

Trump claims Iran nuclear deal 'good chance' despite Tehran's doubts

US President expresses optimism over potential agreement with Tehran, but Iranian officials remain skeptical citing Washington's shifting demands and ongoing naval blockade as major obstacles to successful negotiations.

Antalya Diplomacy Forum cements Turkey's mediator role: Fidan

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum concluded with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighting Ankara's growing influence in international mediation. The three-day summit hosted 23 heads of state and representatives from 150 nations, positioning Turkey as a pivotal player in addressing regional conflicts through diplomatic engagement rather than military alliances.

One Heart for Palestine: Emine Erdogan leads solidarity panel in Antalya

First lady Emine Erdogan convened leading international figures at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 for a high-level discussion on Palestinian solidarity. The "One Heart for Palestine" panel brought together ministers, ambassadors and global representatives to express unified support for the Palestinian people amid ongoing regional challenges.

Trump holds phone talks with Pakistan army chief amid Iran mediation

US President Donald Trump engaged in telephone diplomacy with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Iranian officials this week as Islamabad facilitates critical negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The conversations occurred during General Munir's visit to Iran, where he engaged with both civilian and military leadership amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and an expiring ceasefire agreement.

Israel threatens Iranian energy sites if ceasefire fails: Report

Israel and the US have reportedly prepared contingency plans to strike Iranian oil and gas installations should the current truce negotiated through Pakistan collapse. The coordination comes as direct talks between Washington and Tehran ended without breakthrough last weekend.

Jordan demands root causes of Middle East conflict be addressed

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum that the Middle East cannot escape instability without addressing fundamental sources of tension. He emphasized collective regional action, mutual respect among nations, and an end to foreign interference in sovereign affairs.

Israel declares 'Yellow Line' buffer zone in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military announced a new self-declared buffer zone south of the Litani River, claiming it struck a 'terrorist cell' approaching the area. This marks the first public admission of such a zone in Lebanon, drawing parallels to Gaza tactics.