Erdoğan mourns school shooting victims in Kahramanmaraş

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep sorrow over the school shooting in Kahramanmaraş that killed nine people and injured 13, six critically. An eighth‑grade student carried out the attack with firearms reportedly belonging to his father, a former police officer.

Kahramanmaraş school shooting kills nine, suspect also dead

An eighth‑grade student opened fire at Ayser Çalık Secondary School in Kahramanmaraş, killing nine people and injuring 13, six critically. The attacker, who brought five firearms and seven magazines reportedly belonging to his former police officer father, also died. Education in the province has been suspended for two days.

Türkiye’s High Advisory Council urges sustained ceasefire after Iran attack

Türkiye’s Presidential High Advisory Council called for maintaining the ceasefire following what it termed an “unlawful attack on Iran,” emphasizing ongoing contacts with all parties to preserve regional stability. The council also reviewed domestic unity, the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process, and responses to a deadly school shooting.

Erdoğan, Carney discuss ties, invite to NATO summit, COP31

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a phone call Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. Erdoğan invited Carney to the NATO Ankara Summit and COP31, and expressed hope for an official visit before the end of 2026.

Trump ‘would welcome’ end to Lebanon hostilities, US official says

President Donald Trump would welcome an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a senior US official told Anadolu, but Washington maintains that Lebanon is not included in its peace negotiations with Iran. Trump said he asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to “low‑key” strikes on Lebanon.

Iran’s Araghchi discusses regional tensions with China, Japan

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate phone calls with his Chinese and Japanese counterparts to discuss regional developments following the US‑Iran ceasefire. China voiced support for diplomacy, while Japan said it is ready to help reduce tensions. Araghchi warned that the US military posture in the Gulf risks further complicating the situation.

Turkish parliament speaker calls for Israel’s suspension from UN

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş urged the suspension of Israel from the United Nations over a proposed death penalty bill for Palestinian prisoners, citing the 1974 suspension of apartheid-era South Africa as a precedent. He also criticized the UN for becoming ineffective and failing to prevent ongoing violence in Gaza.

US, Iran show flexibility on uranium enrichment in talks – WSJ

The US and Iran have signalled potential compromise on uranium enrichment despite failing to reach a final agreement during weekend talks in Islamabad, the Wall Street Journal reported. Washington demands a 20‑year freeze and total removal of enriched material, while Tehran proposes a five‑year pause with the stockpile remaining inside Iran.

CENTCOM: No vessels have breached US naval blockade on Iran in first 48 hours

No vessels have breached a US naval blockade on Iran during its first 48 hours, US Central Command reported Wednesday. Nine vessels have complied with US forces and turned around, as the blockade remains in effect following failed talks between Washington and Tehran.

Trump says Israel and Lebanon leaders to speak Thursday for first time in 34 years

US President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak directly on Thursday for the first time in 34 years. The announcement follows a State Department meeting between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as Hezbollah was not represented.

Iran military adviser threatens to sink US ships if Washington ‘polices’ Hormuz

A top military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader warned that Iran would sink American ships in the Strait of Hormuz if the US moves to “police” the strategic waterway. Mohsen Rezaei, a former Revolutionary Guard commander, said Washington has no role in controlling the strait and that US ships “can definitely be exposed to our missiles.”

TRNC PM: All measures taken to ensure country’s security amid border tensions

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel announced that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the country’s security following developments in the Beyarmudu district near Famagusta. Illegal crossings were prevented by TRNC security forces, and measures were later eased after talks with the UN Peacekeeping Force.

Energy infrastructure repair costs from Middle East war could reach $58 billion, Rystad says

Repair and restoration costs for energy-linked infrastructure damaged in the Middle East war could reach as much as $58 billion, Rystad Energy said Wednesday. Oil and gas facilities may account for up to $50 billion, with Iran and Qatar likely to bear the heaviest burden.

US hits Iranian oil network with fresh sanctions

The United States imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian oil smuggling and financing networks, including individuals, companies, vessels, and a financier involved in exchanging Iranian oil for Venezuelan gold. The Treasury Department said the action aims to “decisively limit Iran’s ability to generate revenue” amid disrupted Hormuz shipping.

Israeli cabinet debates Hezbollah ceasefire as ministers object

Israel’s security cabinet convened to discuss a US-proposed temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah, facing opposition from several ministers. An Israeli source told KAN that advanced negotiations are underway and a truce could take effect within days. Hezbollah has not yet commented.

Netanyahu links Iran deal to end of uranium enrichment, Hormuz reopening

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set three conditions for any deal with Iran: removal of enriched uranium, termination of the uranium enrichment program, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He said Israel’s objectives are “aligned” with Washington’s and that Tel Aviv is prepared for any scenario, including resumed attacks.

Gulf nations ready to resume oil shipments if Hormuz reopens

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Middle Eastern finance ministers have indicated they can restart oil shipments within one week once the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens. Bessent expressed optimism about falling gas prices, while noting the strait has “not been completely reopened” yet.

Iran calls for ‘special regime’ for Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s government has called for a “special regime” for the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the strategic waterway is a “special asset” for Tehran. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani told RIA Novosti that a unique legal framework must be defined for passage through the strait.

White House: Next Iran talks ‘very likely’ in Islamabad

The next round of US‑Iran negotiations will “very likely” be held in Islamabad, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, praising Pakistan as an “incredible mediator.” She denied reports that Washington had formally requested a ceasefire extension, saying discussions remain active and ongoing.

Xi tells Trump China not supplying weapons to Iran

Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured US President Donald Trump that Beijing is not providing military support to Iran amid ongoing regional tensions, according to the White House. The statement comes as Washington increases scrutiny of China’s economic ties with Tehran, particularly oil trade, while warning financial institutions over potential sanctions risks.

Pentagon expands Cuba plans amid Trump intervention signals

The Pentagon is reportedly intensifying contingency planning for a potential military operation in Cuba as President Donald Trump signals the possibility of intervention following tensions linked to Iran. The development reflects a shift from economic pressure toward military scenarios, raising concerns about regional stability and renewed confrontation in the Caribbean.

IMF chief warns of tough global outlook if oil prices stay high

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the global economy could face difficult conditions if the Middle East conflict drags on and oil prices remain elevated. Supply chain disruptions will not disappear quickly even if the war ends soon, she said, urging cautious policy responses.

Sanctioned oil tankers enter Persian Gulf via Hormuz despite US blockade

Two US‑sanctioned very large crude carriers, Alicia and RHN, have entered the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, signalling that shadow‑fleet oil movements tied to Iran are continuing despite Washington’s blockade. The tankers could carry up to 4 million barrels of crude, worth about $400 million.