Turkish official says narrative power is key in fragmented world

Türkiye's Communications Director, Burhanettin Duran, has asserted that control over narratives and digital platforms now constitutes a central battleground in global politics. Addressing the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, he argued that justice, regional ownership, and inclusive diplomacy are essential for building a legitimate international order in an era of fragmentation.

Direct cost of Türkiye's 2023 earthquakes reached $104 billion

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that the 2023 earthquakes caused a direct economic loss of $104 billion and an indirect cost of $150 billion. Speaking at a commemoration event, he stated the government has delivered 455,000 homes to survivors and defended the state's reconstruction efforts against critics.

NATO marks third anniversary of Türkiye's 2023 earthquake devastation

NATO has commemorated the victims of the catastrophic 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, reaffirming its solidarity with the nation as it prepares to host the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara. The alliance highlighted the support it provided in the immediate aftermath, including strategic airlift and shelter for thousands.

Iran rules out zero enrichment in nuclear talks with US, foreign minister says

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran is prepared for a "reassuring agreement" on uranium enrichment but firmly rejected any demand for "zero enrichment" as off the table. He also declared Iran's missile program a non-negotiable "defensive matter" and asserted Tehran would retaliate against US bases in the region if attacked.

US proposes Russia-Ukraine war end by summer, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the United States is pushing for an end to the war with Russia "by the beginning of this summer." He revealed the US plans to host a new round of talks between the warring parties, likely in Miami, next week.

Spain announces crackdown on social media abuses, targeting tech giants

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has unveiled a five-point plan to regulate social media platforms, accusing them of enabling crime and disinformation. The measures include pursuing criminal liability for companies that refuse to remove illegal content, creating a hate speech database, and limiting platform access for minors.

Israeli forces shell Gaza, demolish buildings amid ongoing ceasefire violations

Israeli military forces conducted artillery strikes and demolition operations across the Gaza Strip early Saturday, targeting areas in the north and east of Khan Younis. The attacks are part of daily violations of the ceasefire that has been in place since October, despite a U.S.-announced second phase that promised Israeli withdrawals and reconstruction.

Trump orders framework for secondary tariffs on Iran's trade partners

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order creating a legal mechanism to impose secondary tariffs on any nation that continues to do business with Iran. The order, which cites a 25% duty as an example, was issued on the same day US and Iranian negotiators opened nuclear talks in Oman.

Netanyahu uses Epstein files to attack political rival Ehud Barak

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has seized on revelations from the Epstein documents to launch a fierce attack against his predecessor and critic, Ehud Barak. Netanyahu rejected suggestions that Epstein worked for Israel, instead arguing the financier's "unusual close relationship" with Barak proves the opposite and accusing Barak of attempting to undermine Israeli democracy.

New York mayor restricts ICE access to city property with new order

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed an executive order barring federal immigration agents from entering city property without a judicial warrant. The policy, covering schools, hospitals, and shelters, aims to protect immigrant communities and ensure access to public services without fear of deportation.

China grants South Africa zero-tariff access in trade partnership

China has signed a comprehensive economic partnership with South Africa, granting it zero-tariff access on 100% of its tariff lines exported to the Chinese market. The deal, part of Beijing's "Big Market for All" initiative, aims to boost South African exports and expand investment in sectors like automotive and renewable energy.

Canada urges Arctic solidarity against threats, opens Greenland consulate

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has called for Arctic nations to unite against environmental and defense threats, particularly highlighting Russian infrastructure moving northward. The appeal was made during the opening of a Canadian consulate in Greenland's capital, as Western nations increase their diplomatic presence in the strategically vital region.

Lebanese army chief's US visit sparks tension over Hezbollah stance

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal concluded a visit to Washington focused on securing military support and discussing regional security, but the trip was overshadowed by a public clash with US Senator Lindsey Graham. Graham abruptly ended a meeting after Haykal declined to label Hezbollah a "terrorist organization," exposing a fundamental rift in US-Lebanese relations.

Yemen forms new government under PM Shaya al-Zindani

Yemen's internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council has approved a new 34-member government headed by Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani, who will also serve as foreign minister. The cabinet includes three female ministers and follows months of consultations aimed at easing internal rivalries within the anti-Houthi bloc.

Turkish, Qatari FMs hold talks on regional developments

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussed pressing regional issues in a phone call on Friday. The two nations, alongside Egypt, were instrumental in brokering last October's Gaza ceasefire and remain engaged in related diplomatic efforts.

President Erdoğan votes in Anadolu's "Images of the Year" photo contest, highlights Gaza

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated in voting for Anadolu’s annual photo competition on his return from Egypt, selecting images across categories including a powerful shot of Gaza aid distribution he had previously presented at the UN.

Gaza death toll could exceed 200,000, new population data suggests

A leading human rights expert warns that the death toll in Gaza may surpass 200,000, based on population decline data. Stuart Casey-Maslen of the Geneva Academy cited a more than 10% drop in Gaza's population since 2023, indicating a far higher casualty figure than the confirmed 70,000. He described an ongoing humanitarian crisis requiring urgent aid and years of reconstruction.

Lebanon and Syria agree on prisoner transfer, affecting hundreds of detainees

In a diplomatic move, Lebanon and Syria have finalized an agreement to transfer more than 300 Syrian prisoners from Lebanese jails to Damascus. Officials stated the process will commence this Saturday. The deal, focused on inmates who have been sentenced, is presented as a step to reset bilateral relations and address a long-standing issue that impacts Lebanon's overcrowded prison system.

Turkish intelligence captures two alleged Mossad operatives in Istanbul

Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has detained two individuals in Istanbul accused of spying for Israel's Mossad. The suspects allegedly used a marble business as cover, shared intelligence, and were in the planning stages of establishing a front company to infiltrate global supply chains on behalf of Israeli intelligence.

Oman mediates second round of indirect US-Iran nuclear talks in Muscat

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has conducted a second round of separate discussions with Iranian and US delegations in Muscat as indirect negotiations continue. The talks involve exchanging proposals through Omani mediators, with both sides pausing for consultations with their capitals.

Syrian army advances under integration deal, faces mines in key town

Following a Damascus-SDG integration agreement, Syrian government forces have swiftly established security in Hasakah and Qamishli. The advance into the strategic town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani), however, has been slowed by extensive booby-trapped minefields, causing military casualties.

Zelensky eyes US talks after Abu Dhabi round, stresses peace terms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicates that a new round of negotiations with Russia and the U.S. may soon take place on American soil. The announcement follows two days of sensitive discussions in the UAE, with Zelenskyy awaiting a full briefing from his team in Kyiv.

France opens first EU consulate in Greenland amid Arctic strategic shifts

In a move underscoring the Arctic region's growing geopolitical significance, France has inaugurated its first consulate general in Greenland. The diplomatic post, announced by President Macron last year, makes France the pioneer EU nation with such a representation in Nuuk, as global powers recalibrate their focus on the strategically vital territory.

Spain’s Andalusia region evacuates 7,500 as flooding worsens, new storm approaches

About 7,500 people have been evacuated across Spain’s Andalusia region due to severe flooding caused by relentless rainfall, with authorities warning of further danger as another storm system approaches this weekend.

Analyst: Iran and US preparing for war but seeking to avoid it as negotiations resume

Middle East expert Vali Nasr says both Iran and the US are posturing for potential conflict while pursuing diplomatic off‑ramps, with Tehran's expectations for talks now reduced to avoiding war rather than achieving broad reintegration.