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.

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.

Gulf bloc chief warns regional escalation would spell 'disaster' for world

Secretary-General Jassem Albudaiwi of the Gulf Cooperation Council has called for urgent dialogue with Iran at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, warning that failure to resolve Middle East tensions would bring catastrophic consequences beyond the region.

Hezbollah chief warns fighters ready to respond to Israel ceasefire breaches

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has declared that the organization's resistance fighters will maintain combat readiness and respond decisively to any Israeli breaches of the fragile ceasefire agreement. In a comprehensive statement addressing the ten-day truce announced by Washington, Qassem emphasized that the group maintains deep skepticism toward Israeli intentions while outlining five critical demands for lasting stability.

UN chief condemns deadly attack on UNIFIL troops in Lebanon

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a forceful condemnation following a lethal assault on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, which claimed the life of one French peacekeeper and left three additional personnel wounded in the volatile southern region of the country.

Israeli fire claims life in Rafah as Gaza ceasefire violations persist

Israeli military units stationed in southern Gaza opened fire Saturday, killing a Palestinian civilian near Rafah. Medical personnel recovered the body from the Al-Baraksat area after it remained exposed for hours due to persistent shooting. The incident represents the latest breach of the October ceasefire agreement, which has failed to halt deadly confrontations across the coastal enclave despite international mediation efforts.

Sao Tome and Principe seeks strategic economic ties with Türkiye

Sao Tome and Principe's Foreign Minister Ilza Amado Vaz has emphasized the Central African nation's commitment to forging strategic economic ties with Türkiye during discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Highlighting opportunities in sustainable tourism, renewable energy transition, and maritime resources, Vaz outlined frameworks for mutually beneficial investment cooperation between the two countries.

Trump says ‘very good talks’ ongoing with Iran

US President Donald Trump has revealed that Washington is holding “very good conversations” with Iran. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the talks as productive while maintaining a tough stance, even using the term “enforced regime change.” The diplomatic efforts follow a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan on April 8. Separately, Trump signed an executive order directing the FDA to fast-track certain psychedelic drugs.

US military buildup hints at wartime production shift

The Trump administration's recent moves suggest a massive expansion of US military capacity unseen since the Vietnam War. The Pentagon is consulting auto and heavy industry giants to shift production lines to ammunition and drones.

TRNC president says all Cyprus policy steps coordinated with Ankara

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhurman announced that all foreign policy steps and decisions regarding the Cyprus issue are taken in close consultation with Türkiye. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erhurman said this coordination will intensify during his term. He revealed having a "very productive" meeting with President Erdoğan, covering regional dynamics. The Turkish Cypriot leader reaffirmed commitment to dialogue but said his side will not be confined solely to negotiation processes.