Fidan meets US special envoy Barrack in Ankara ahead of NATO summit

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack, who also serves as special envoy for Iraq and Syria. Barrack called the meeting productive, saying the US‑Türkiye partnership is “delivering results” ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.

Türkiye, North Macedonia eye strategic transport corridor expansion

Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said Ankara has invested $355 billion in transportation infrastructure over the past 23 years, telling a DEIK business forum that Türkiye and North Macedonia are deepening strategic cooperation to develop alternative corridors connecting Europe and Asia.

Türkiye deploys 70,000 personnel for NATO summit security

A total of 70,000 personnel, including 55,000 police and gendarmerie forces, will be deployed for the July 7‑8 NATO summit in Ankara. Security measures will be raised to the highest level, with counterterrorism, cyber, CBRN, and special operations units involved.

North Macedonia invites Turkish investors to 'build future together'

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Friday invited Turkish businesspeople to invest in his country during a business forum in Istanbul, highlighting deep historical ties, strategic access to European markets, and comprehensive reforms to improve the investment climate.

Israel strikes southern Lebanon towns despite US-mediated truce

The Israeli military launched fresh airstrikes and artillery attacks on several towns in southern Lebanon on Friday morning, violating a US-mediated ceasefire that was extended until early July amid reports that Washington and Tehran are nearing a deal to end the wider conflict.

NATO says US military cuts will strengthen alliance long-term

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed Friday that Washington plans to scale back aircraft and naval assets allocated to European operations, arguing the reductions will reduce over-dependence on a single ally and create a more sustainable balance of responsibilities.

Kyrgyz president says Georgian PM visit marks 'new stage'

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said on Friday that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Bishkek marks the beginning of a "new stage" in bilateral relations, with the two leaders discussing expanded trade and transport cooperation including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.

Hamburg Airport resumes operations after security breach

Hamburg Airport spokesperson Katja Bromm said operations gradually resumed Friday afternoon after a traveler accidentally pressed an emergency door button in Terminal 2, triggering a full terminal evacuation that forced passengers to disembark and caused delays of up to three hours.

India summons US diplomat again over Oman vessel attacks

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Friday summoned US charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in a week to protest deadly attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman that killed three Indian nationals, according to official sources.

Suicide bombing outside Pakistan mosque kills one, injures seven

A suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a mosque in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during Friday prayers, killing at least one civilian and wounding seven others. The attacker failed to enter the mosque before blowing himself up.

US, Iran close to signing Hormuz memorandum in Geneva

The US and Iran are close to signing a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, possibly as early as Sunday in Geneva, according to Bloomberg. The deal would extend the truce by 60 days and end the US blockade of Iranian ports, but awaits approval from Iran’s supreme leader.

Trump administration appeals Kennedy Center renaming order

The Trump administration has filed a notice of appeal against a federal judge's order requiring the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as the institution's board votes to seek a stay of the ruling that also blocked planned renovations.

EU migration pact enters into force with tighter border rules

The European Commission announced on Friday that the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum has officially entered into force, introducing mandatory registration and fast-track border procedures for irregular migrants as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the bloc's framework.

Israel shells Gaza school, wounds five displaced Palestinians

Israeli artillery struck Abu Hussein School in Jabalia refugee camp early Friday, wounding five displaced Palestinians and damaging one of the few remaining shelters in the north as violations of the October ceasefire agreement continue across the besieged enclave.

Trump claims Iran war victory, says G7 support 'irrelevant'

US President Donald Trump told Italian television on Friday that Washington has 'won the war' against Tehran without external assistance, dismissing potential support from Group of Seven allies as 'irrelevant' just days before leaders are set to convene in Canada amid fragile ceasefire efforts between Iran and Israel.

NATO to reduce Kosovo peacekeeping force over coming year

NATO announced on Friday that it will gradually reduce the size of its peacekeeping mission in Kosovo over the next year, citing improved security conditions that allow for a smaller military presence while maintaining readiness to reverse the drawdown if the situation on the ground deteriorates.

US forces down Iranian drones in Hormuz as peace deal nears

US forces intercepted two Iranian one-way attack drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, an American official said, noting that traffic flow continues through the vital waterway despite the attempted strikes, which came hours after President Donald Trump indicated Washington and Tehran were nearing an agreement to end the war.

Israel faces global isolation as boycotts widen

Accused of war crimes and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, Israel is facing an unprecedented wave of international isolation. French and Dutch sanctions, coordinated measures by six countries including the UK and Canada, and growing boycott movements have left the occupation state increasingly alone on the world stage.

Iran blocks oil tanker from entering Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said it barred an oil tanker from entering the Strait of Hormuz after the vessel attempted to cross without coordination, warning that Iranian forces would respond "with extreme firmness" to any unauthorized passage as tensions persist with Washington.

US probes '86 47' markings on National Mall targeting Trump

Federal authorities are investigating mysterious discoloration on the National Mall displaying the numbers "86 47" — interpreted by some as a coded threat against President Donald Trump — while the White House condemned the incident as part of a dangerous "assassination culture."

Israel caught off guard by Trump's cancellation of Iran strikes

Israeli officials expressed surprise at President Donald Trump's sudden cancellation of planned military strikes against Iran on Thursday evening, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receiving the news during a Cabinet meeting as Washington announced high-level discussions with Tehran had won approval from all parties involved.

US sanctions Cuba state energy firm over 'kleptocratic profit'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions Thursday against Cuba's state-owned energy company CUPET under an executive order from President Donald Trump, accusing Communist elites of weaponizing fuel for social control while a Havana envoy warned the measures would collectively punish the Cuban people.

Iran says 'main part' of text with US finalized

Iran's Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the "main part" of the text of understanding with Washington has been finalized, accusing the United States of undermining diplomatic progress through shifting positions hours after President Donald Trump revealed he had canceled planned strikes.

US senator to oppose defense bill over Iran war, Pentagon spending

Sen. Tim Kaine said Thursday he will oppose the National Defense Authorization Act unless the Trump administration ends its Iran war or secures congressional authorization, citing the bill's over $1.5 trillion in Pentagon funding and a provision to rename the Department of Defense.

UK defense secretary and armed forces minister resign over spending

Al Carns resigned on Thursday just hours after Defense Secretary John Healey stepped down, saying the government's defense investment strategy is not built for current threats, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer moved quickly to appoint former Parachute Regiment officer Dan Jarvis as the new defense secretary.