Türkiye-OECD MoU on Istanbul Center published in official gazette

A presidential decision approving the renewal of the memorandum of understanding between Türkiye and the OECD on the establishment of an OECD Istanbul Center has been published in Türkiye’s Official Gazette. The protocol, signed in Paris on January 17, 2025, entered into force retroactively on January 13, 2025.

Fidan says 1-2 nuclear issues can be resolved ahead of US-Iran talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism that key sticking points in Iran’s nuclear dossier could be resolved as US-Iran talks resume in Islamabad. He outlined two scenarios for the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that mine clearance is a humanitarian priority and Türkiye’s position depends on whether operations take sides.

Fidan calls von der Leyen’s remarks on Türkiye ‘unfortunate’

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent remarks about Türkiye as “unfortunate,” adding that the issue has since been resolved through diplomatic channels. The comments came after von der Leyen suggested the EU must avoid being influenced by Russia, Türkiye, or China.

Fidan says Israel is now ‘direct threat to global security,’ urges collective action

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that Israel has become a “direct threat to global security,” arguing that the distinction between regional and global crises has disappeared. Speaking at Oxford University, he urged the international community to mount a collective response and highlighted the growing strategic weight of middle powers like Türkiye.

Local elections begin in West Bank and Gaza’s Deir al-Balah

Local elections began Saturday in the occupied West Bank and the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, with approximately 1.03 million eligible voters. A total of 491 polling centers with 1,922 voting stations have been set up. The elections mark the first municipal vote in Deir al-Balah in 22 years.

Israel bars Lebanon villagers' return despite extended ceasefire

Israeli military authorities have issued fresh warnings prohibiting residents from returning to over fifty villages in southern Lebanon, even as American-mediated negotiations produced a three-week extension to the fragile ceasefire. The directive covers strategic areas near the Litani River and Salhani Valley, where occupation forces continue conducting strikes against alleged Hezbollah positions despite the truce agreement brokered by Washington.

Imam Khomeini Airport resumes flights to Istanbul, Muscat

Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran has restarted limited international operations, with initial services connecting to Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina. The resumption follows a ceasefire agreement that halted hostilities between Iran and the US-Israel coalition, as diplomatic channels continue through Pakistani mediation.

Sisi warns of ‘deliberate attempts’ to redraw Middle East map

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned of “deliberate efforts” to redraw the map of the Middle East in a televised speech marking Sinai’s liberation anniversary. He called for full implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, including unrestricted humanitarian aid and immediate reconstruction of the enclave.

Trump and Qatari Emir discuss Iran ceasefire, regional security

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held telephone discussions with American President Donald Trump regarding efforts to sustain the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The conversation addressed regional security dynamics and the protection of maritime trade routes. The Qatari leader emphasized diplomatic solutions while reaffirming Doha's support for Pakistan-led mediation initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions.

13 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza despite ceasefire

At least 13 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Friday, including a woman, her two children, and six police officers. The attacks violated a ceasefire in place since October 2025. Gaza’s Interior Ministry condemned the “continued silence” of international organizations over the targeting of civilian police personnel.

Macron says global turmoil could be ‘European moment’ for EU

French President Emmanuel Macron declared that current global disorder could become a defining “European moment,” urging the EU to transform its economic and strategic weight into genuine geopolitical power. Speaking in Athens, he called for deeper integration, faster decision-making, and a stronger European defense pillar within NATO.

Israeli attacks kill 8 more in Lebanon as death toll hits 2,491

Latest Israeli military strikes claimed eight additional lives in Lebanon over the past day, pushing the total fatalities since early March to 2,491 according to Beirut's Health Ministry. The escalation persists despite Washington's announcement of a renewed three-week ceasefire agreement, which follows a previous truce systematically violated by Israeli forces. At least 12 more civilians sustained injuries, bringing the wounded count to 7,719 since March 2.

Iran condemns US seizure of vessel carrying dialysis supplies

Iran’s UN mission condemned the US seizure of the commercial vessel “Toska” in the Sea of Oman, stating it was carrying critical dialysis supplies and medical equipment. Tehran called the act a “flagrant breach” of international law that endangers civilian lives and undermines freedom of navigation.

Iranian FM arrives in Islamabad ahead of possible US talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday for meetings with Pakistan’s leadership, potentially paving the way for a second round of US-Iran talks. The White House confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for direct negotiations.

Witkoff and Kushner to head to Pakistan for Iran talks, White House says

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for direct talks with Iranian representatives, the White House announced. Vice President JD Vance will remain in the United States, but officials will be on standby to fly to Pakistan if necessary.

Iran denies seeking US talks, rejects ‘excessive’ demands

Iran denied requesting face-to-face negotiations with the United States in Pakistan, dismissing White House claims as “entirely false.” Iranian media reported that Tehran has rejected US proposals due to “excessive demands,” while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad is described as purely bilateral and independent of US-related talks.

Istanbul Park to host F1 races for five seasons from 2027 to 2031

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Istanbul Park will host Formula 1 races for five seasons between 2027 and 2031, marking the Turkish Grand Prix’s return after a six-year hiatus. He expressed hope that Türkiye’s partnership with Formula 1 will continue to strengthen.

Formula 1 returns to Türkiye in 2027 after six-year hiatus

Formula 1 will return to Türkiye in 2027 as the Turkish Grand Prix is added to the official calendar. Istanbul Park will host the prestigious motorsport event for the 10th time, ending a six-year absence. The circuit previously hosted races between 2005-2011 and 2020-2021.

Baykar unveils AI-powered K2 and Sivrisinek swarm drones

Turkish defense firm Baykar unveiled its next-generation K2 Kamikaze UAV and Sivrisinek loitering munition, demonstrating AI-led swarm operations with autonomous navigation and coordinated strikes independent of GPS. The Sivrisinek has a strike range exceeding 1,000 km. Baykar remains the world’s largest UAV exporter with $2.2 billion in 2025 sales.

Poland confronts Israel on Gaza conditions, UN force safety

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Wojciech Zajaczkowski held critical talks with Israeli Ambassador Yaakov Finkelstein in Warsaw, expressing grave concern over deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and safety threats facing Polish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. The diplomatic engagement also underscored Poland's emphasis on sovereignty principles in bilateral relations.

NATO official: Treaty lacks provisions to suspend or expel members

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization's founding charter does not include mechanisms for suspending or removing member states, a senior alliance official confirmed Friday. The statement follows reports suggesting Washington considered punitive measures against Madrid after Spanish authorities declined to facilitate American military operations against Tehran using domestic installations.

Israeli soldiers looted gold bars in southern Lebanon, Haaretz reports

Israeli soldiers have looted homes and shops in southern Lebanon, including gold bars, with commanders allegedly aware of the thefts, Haaretz reported. A reserve soldier witnessed a colleague decamping with gold. The Israeli military has launched an investigation. Widespread looting of motorcycles, TVs, and furniture has become routine, the daily said.

Italy, Greece, Malta, Cyprus step up migration coordination amid Mideast war

The leaders of Greek Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Malta agreed Friday to strengthen coordination to prevent a potential migration crisis stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The four frontline EU states seek to avoid a repeat of the 2015 crisis and tasked their interior ministers with close cooperation alongside the European Commission.

Strait of Hormuz shipping grinds to halt amid US blockade

Maritime activity through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has collapsed to unprecedented levels as American naval restrictions and Iranian countermeasures paralyze one of the world's most vital energy arteries. Vessel tracking data reveals a dramatic reduction in commercial traffic, with merely six ships navigating the chokepoint within a 24-hour window, highlighting escalating regional security concerns and potential global supply chain disruptions.

Iran resumes international flights to Istanbul amid ceasefire

Iran is set to relaunch international passenger services from Tehran this weekend, with Istanbul positioned as a primary destination. The move marks the first restoration of foreign air traffic since operations were halted during recent military confrontations involving the United States and Israel.