Erdoğan: Türkiye boosts renewables to 62% of installed capacity, eyes COP31 leadership

President Erdoğan announced wind and solar expansion raised renewables' share to 62%, as Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in Antalya. He stressed environmental consciousness as "building a future" and rejected political discrimination in green projects.

Şimşek: Türkiye sees strongest foreign investor interest since 2013

Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek says Türkiye's resilient growth, fiscal discipline, and strategic NATO position have created the "most intense investment climate" in over a decade. Reserves doubled to $200 billion as disinflation proceeds.

Trump praises Syria's al-Sharaa as 'phenomenal,' says country 'coming together'

President Trump lauded Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa for stabilizing the war-torn nation and treating Kurds "very good," adding that "a choir boy couldn't do it." The remarks signal Washington's growing engagement with Damascus.

UNICEF envoy: 2.45 million Syrian children out of school amid poverty, displacement

Muzoon Almellehan warns that explosive remnants, damaged infrastructure, and declining funding threaten fragile recovery. Over 4 million remain internally displaced despite political changes.

Trump urges Iran nuclear deal, claims his threat halted mass hangings

President Trump told reporters Iran "better negotiate a fair deal," expressing sympathy for Iranian people while criticizing Tehran's human rights record. He claimed his warning prevented 837 executions during last month's protests.

Trump confirms considering limited strike on Iran to pressure nuclear deal

President Trump told reporters at the White House he is weighing military action to force Tehran into negotiations, though he provided no details. The remark follows warnings of action within "10 to 15 days" if talks fail.

NYT: Epstein cultivated 'chummy' ties with CBP officers near his island, enjoyed VIP treatment

Newly released records show the financier provided food, helicopter rides, and financial advice to customs agents in St. Thomas in exchange for "concierge services"—including whisking him through inspections. A criminal probe targeted at least four officers.

Iran's Araghchi: No zero-enrichment demand in nuclear talks, diplomacy only solution

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran and Washington are discussing peaceful enrichment guarantees, not program suspension. He warns no military solution exists, as Trump threatens action within "10 to 15 days" if negotiations fail.

Trump imposes 10% global tariff after Supreme Court strikes down emergency powers

President Trump announced a new executive order instituting 10% duties on nations worldwide under Section 122 of the Trade Act, following a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling that rejected his use of emergency powers for import taxes.

Erdoğan: Türkiye neutralizes threats at source beyond borders without permission

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared Thursday that Türkiye takes all necessary security measures beyond its borders, neutralizing threats at their source without seeking anyone's approval. Speaking at an iftar with martyrs' families, he highlighted progress in the "terror-free Türkiye" initiative, defense industry advancements, and positive developments in northern Syria.

Fidan: Erdoğan fully committed to Gaza stabilization, Türkiye ready to contribute troops

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed President Erdoğan's commitment to Gaza's security and recovery at Thursday's Board of Peace meeting in Washington, while warning the humanitarian situation remains fragile with ongoing ceasefire violations. Türkiye offered to contribute to health, education, police training, and provide troops to an International Stabilization Force.

Türkiye can turn climate pledges into action at COP31, officials say

Preparatory meetings in Istanbul highlight Türkiye's opportunity to bridge North-South divides and advance zero waste initiatives at November's UN climate summit in Antalya.

Fidan: Türkiye hopes US, Iran reach genuine deal without war as parties show positive signals

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hope Thursday that the US and Iran will achieve a "genuine negotiation" without military conflict, noting "unprecedentedly positive signals" from all parties. Speaking after the Board of Peace meeting in Washington, he cited constructive discussions involving Omani mediation and direct contacts with American and Iranian officials.

Israel continues airstrikes across Gaza on 3rd day of Ramadan despite ceasefire

Witnesses report fighter jet strikes inside the "Yellow Line" area in Gaza City, heavy gunfire toward displacement tents in Zeitoun, and demolitions east of Bureij camp. The violations occur despite the Oct. 10 ceasefire.

Israel tightens Al-Aqsa access on Ramadan's first Friday, turns hundreds back

Worshippers from the West Bank faced heightened restrictions at Jerusalem checkpoints, with authorities citing a 10,000-person cap, as Palestinian officials reported thousands crowded at Qalandiya.

Regional convergence, US engagement signal potential Libyan breakthrough, analyst says

The revived Egypt-Algeria-Tunisia trilateral mechanism and expanding international diplomacy—including US-sponsored military exercises—may be narrowing divisions. But researcher Beshir Al-Jouini warns sustainable settlement requires genuine Libyan dialogue, not elite power-sharing.

US thanks Türkiye for mediation role at inaugural Gaza peace board meeting

President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Erdogan alongside Qatari and Egyptian leaders for their "great cooperation" in advancing the peace process.

Putin appoints Sergey Vershinin as new Russian ambassador to Türkiye

Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin, 71, replaces Alexey Yerkhov after a five-month vacancy. The veteran diplomat brings decades of experience in the Middle East and North Africa to Ankara.

EU's Kallas addresses defense ministers at E5 Group meeting in Krakow

High Representative Kaja Kallas delivered remarks at the E5 Group Ministers of Defence meeting in Krakow on February 20, 2026, addressing European security challenges and defense cooperation.

Trump jokes about awarding himself Medal of Honor for 2018 Iraq troop visit

The president recounted telling aides he considered self-nomination for the nation's highest combat valor award after his "extremely brave" surprise trip to Al Asad Air Base. He acknowledged recipients "suffered gravely."

Finland's president: Russia unlikely to agree peace deal soon, war to continue through summer

Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed skepticism Thursday that Russia will agree to a peace settlement in the near term, predicting the Ukraine war will persist through summer. He identified Moscow as the primary obstacle, dismissing proposals for demilitarized economic zones in occupied territories as "crazy."

Trump threatens to block Gordie Howe Bridge opening in new Canada-US rift

The $4 billion project linking Detroit and Windsor faces potential delay after President Trump demanded compensation, alleging "virtually no US content." Canadian officials defend the agreement as Michigan lawmakers warn of economic repercussions.

German minister warns Europe against turning away from United States

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cautioned that greater European sovereignty should not mean severing transatlantic ties, emphasizing America's irreplaceable role in European defense capabilities.

UK police arrest Prince Andrew in Epstein leaks probe, release after questioning

The Duke of York was detained at his Sandringham residence on suspicion of misconduct in public office, accused of passing confidential documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Venezuela congress to resume amnesty debate amid political prisoner dispute

Lawmakers in Caracas will revisit a sweeping bill proposed by acting President Delcy Rodriguez that could free hundreds jailed for political reasons, though disagreements persist over eligibility for exiled opposition figures.