Turkish, Dutch FMs discuss bilateral ties, upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen discussed bilateral relations and preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit during a phone call. Türkiye will host the summit in Ankara on July 7-8, marking a major diplomatic event amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Türkiye unveils Yildirimhan ICBM with 6,000-km range at SAHA 2026

Türkiye publicly introduced its Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile at the SAHA 2026 defense expo in Istanbul. Developed by the National Defense Ministry R&D Center, the missile boasts a range of 6,000 kilometers, Mach 25 speed, liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel, and a 3,000-kilogram explosive payload. Defense Minister Yasar Guler called it a “critical force multiplier.”

Turkish VP’s Yerevan trip a ‘turning point’ in normalization

Türkiye’s special envoy Serdar Kilic has hailed Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz’s visit to Yerevan as a breakthrough in bilateral ties. Citing high-level meetings and a joint bid to restore the historic Ani Bridge, Kilic said the momentum points toward full normalization between the two neighbors.

Netanyahu court appearance delayed as corruption trial resumes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court after a delay linked to security and political developments, as proceedings in his long-running corruption trial continued. Facing serious charges including bribery and fraud, Netanyahu attended a shortened hearing while regional tensions, particularly involving Iran, added further complexity to the case.

Zelenskyy’s ceasefire takes effect, two days ahead of Russia’s Victory Day truce

A unilateral ceasefire declared by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy took effect at midnight, two days before Russia’s announced May 8-9 Victory Day truce. Zelenskyy said “human life is far more valuable than any anniversary celebration.” Ukraine’s presidential office said Kyiv’s proposal reflects a genuine desire for peace, not constrained by ideological dates.

Iran says ready to meet global standards to prove nuclear program peaceful

President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is fully prepared to offer assurances within international regulations and global monitoring mechanisms to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. He criticized contradictory US policies that apply pressure while calling for talks. Iraq’s PM-designate offered to host Iran-US negotiations.

Iran tightens control over Hormuz with new ship transit rules

Iran has rolled out a new regulatory system for vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, requiring ships to follow updated procedures and obtain permits before transit. The move comes amid heightened tensions with the United States and increased military presence in the region, raising concerns over global energy routes and maritime security.

Italy rebukes Trump for ‘unacceptable’ attacks on Pope Leo

Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani has condemned Donald Trump’s latest remarks against Pope Leo XIV, calling them damaging to peace. The US president had accused the pontiff of endangering Catholics and tolerating a nuclear-armed Iran, widening a rift between Washington and the Vatican.

Trump pauses Hormuz ‘Project Freedom’ but keeps blockade

President Trump has announced a temporary halt to “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz following requests from Pakistan and others. While the US naval blockade against Iran stays fully intact, Trump said the pause aims to test whether a final agreement with Tehran can be reached.

Trump: US forces must enter Iran to seize buried nuke material

President Trump has announced that American troops will need to conduct a ground mission into Iran to recover enriched uranium left buried after US-Israeli airstrikes. Trump claimed Iran’s nuclear potential is “obliterated,” but the radioactive material remains trapped under debris with Tehran showing no urgency to retrieve it.

Trump to raise Iran tensions at Xi summit in Beijing talks

US President Donald Trump confirmed that escalating tensions with Iran will feature prominently in his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Highlighting Beijing’s cautious approach to regional developments, Trump signaled ongoing coordination between the two powers, even as energy security and global trade routes remain under pressure.

Turkish, Qatari FMs discuss regional tensions amid new UAE attack

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed developments in US-Iran talks amid rising regional tensions. Their call came as the UAE reported a fourth wave of Iranian missiles and drones targeting its territory—the first such incident since a ceasefire took effect last month.

GE Aerospace, TAI sign F404 engine agreement for Türkiye's Hurjet aircraft

GE Aerospace and Turkish Aerospace Industries have signed an agreement for F404 engines to power Türkiye's Hurjet aircraft, marking a critical milestone for the advanced jet trainer program. The deal strengthens a nearly 40-year strategic partnership between the two companies.

UN expert warns Greece: Israel exploiting your fears of Türkiye for its own gain

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese warned Greece that Israel is exploiting Athens’ security concerns about Türkiye to advance its own interests. “You think you chose Israel to guarantee peace against Türkiye. I think the opposite: Israel chose you,” she said. She also criticized Greece for turning a blind eye to Israeli violations in the Mediterranean.

Only four vessels transit Strait of Hormuz in 24 hours amid US-Iran escalation

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited on Tuesday, with only four vessels moving in both directions through the key energy passage, according to ship-tracking data. The limited traffic underscores continued caution around one of the world's most important transit routes for crude oil and LNG.

Turkish agriculture minister attends 5th Istanbul International Water Forum

Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumaklı attended the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, which brings together policymakers, experts and stakeholders focused on sustainable water management, global water challenges and innovative solutions.

Turkish firms showcase tech products at first Gitex Central Asia and Caucasus in Almaty

Turkish firms showcased their products and services at Gitex AI Kazakhstan, the first Central Asia and Caucasus edition of the global tech event, held in Almaty. The two-day event brought together 336 tech enterprises and startups from 50 countries, including a Turkish pavilion featuring Opinnate, Geolab, and Türksat.

US destroyers transit Hormuz after repelling Iranian missile, drone attack

Two US Navy destroyers, USS Truxtun and USS Mason, transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf after fending off coordinated Iranian attacks involving missiles, drones, and small boats. Neither vessel was struck. Two US-flagged commercial ships also successfully transited under “Project Freedom,” President Trump’s new initiative.

Zelenskyy announces ceasefire with Russia starting May 5-6 night

President Zelenskyy announced a ceasefire with Russia starting at midnight on the night of May 5-6, saying “human life is far more valuable than any anniversary celebration.” Russia had declared a ceasefire for May 8-9 during Victory Day celebrations, threatening massive retaliation if Ukraine strikes Moscow. Zelenskyy said no official request was made to Ukraine.

Armenia, EU sign connectivity partnership at first-ever bilateral summit

Armenia and the EU signed a “connectivity partnership” during the inaugural Armenia-EU summit in Yerevan, alongside a working arrangement with Frontex. Prime Minister Pashinyan said Armenia expects EU help in solar energy, combating disinformation, and judicial independence, as Yerevan seeks closer ties with Brussels amid strained relations with Russia.

Erdogan urges EU to avoid rhetoric that undermines Türkiye’s ‘constructive stance’

President Erdogan called on the EU to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could undermine Ankara’s “constructive stance,” adding that Brussels should praise it. “Europe needs Türkiye more than Türkiye needs Europe,” he said, warning that the EU cannot be a global actor without Türkiye as a full member.

Three Palestinians killed in Gaza, death toll since October 2023 reaches 72,615

Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 72,615, Gaza's Health Ministry said. Israeli attacks have killed 834 people and injured 2,365 since a ceasefire took effect in October 2025.

Trump administration weighs Pentagon safety evaluations for AI models used by governments

The Trump administration is weighing a proposal that would mandate the Pentagon to conduct safety evaluations of AI models used by federal, state, and local governments, Axios reported. The White House is also exploring an executive order tasking multiple agencies with safety assessments of new AI models.

Iran parliament speaker says 'new equation' taking shape in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said "a new equation in the Strait of Hormuz is taking shape," amid ongoing tensions in the strategic waterway. He claimed the continuation of the current situation is "unbearable for the United States."

Satellite imagery suggests some of Iran’s nuclear capabilities survived US-Israeli strikes

CNN reported that while much of Iran’s nuclear production process has been “substantially damaged” by US and Israeli strikes, stores of highly enriched uranium “may not have been touched at all.” Satellite imagery shows the Saghand Uranium Mine operating normally, and Iran has covered tunnel entrances near Isfahan, suggesting valuable material remains underground.