Negotiations between Türkiye and France over the potential integration of SAMP/T missile systems into Ankara’s indigenous Steel Dome air defence network have sent shockwaves through Greek defence and political circles. The developing cooperation, if finalised, would mark a significant shift in regional security dynamics, combining Türkiye’s nationally developed multi-layered air defence architecture with European-made interceptor technology. Greek officials are now closely monitoring the talks, which have gained momentum ahead of the upcoming NATO summit. Athens-based publications have responded with unusual sharpness to the emerging Ankara-Paris axis. Pentapostagma, a prominent Greek news outlet, featured the discussions on its front page, characterising France's engagement with Türkiye as a fundamental breach of trust. The Greek press has argued that such a partnership would directly undermine Athens’s existing defence cooperation with Paris, which has included prior arms deals and joint military exercises. Analysts in Greece warn that the integration of SAMP/T systems into Steel Dome would substantially enhance Türkiye’s aerial defence capabilities, potentially altering the established balance of power over the Aegean Sea. The potential agreement comes at a time of heightened tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, where maritime boundaries and energy exploration rights remain contentious issues between the two NATO neighbours. For Türkiye, the integration of SAMP/T interceptors into its domestically produced Steel Dome represents an opportunity to accelerate its indigenous defence programme while leveraging European technology. French officials have reportedly signalled openness to the arrangement, viewing it as a step toward diversifying Europe’s defence industrial partnerships. However, this pragmatic approach has left Greek security establishments questioning the reliability of their longstanding ally. With the NATO heads-of-state meeting on the horizon, the timing of these revelations has added urgency to diplomatic manoeuvring within the alliance. Turkish defence representatives have framed the cooperation as a routine technical exchange rather than a geopolitical provocation, yet Athens remains unconvinced. Observers note that if the SAMP-T integration proceeds, it could compel Greece to reassess its own defence procurement strategies and regional alliances. The coming weeks are likely to see intensified lobbying efforts on both sides as Ankara and Athens seek to solidify their respective positions ahead of critical alliance decisions.
🇱🇧🤝🇵🇸 Lebanese 8-year-old chess player Loren Abdel Samad refused to play against Israeli opponents during the World Youth Chess Championship in Batumi, a decision that led to automatic losses and affected her final ranking. According to her family, the move was intentional despite the consequences, with her father saying she was fully aware of the outcome but maintained a firm personal stance shaped by her awareness of Israel’s “destruction of homes and the targeting of children.”
🇹🇷 Türkiye’s indigenous, large-scale national language model, BİLGE, is set to be launched for general use. ▪️ It has already entered state service as President Erdoğan’s personal AI assistant. ▪️ The model is designed to center Türkiye rather than a “default culture,” enabling it to think and reason in Turkish. ▪️ It was developed end-to-end by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM engineers using 1 trillion words of raw data. ▪️ Its architecture spans a wide range, from 1 billion to 122 billion parameters. ▪️ It reportedly achieves up to 41% higher performance in cultural translation compared to other global LLMs. ▪️ The model is expected to be released for general use once final preparations are completed.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Romanian President Nicușor Dan held a joint press conference, during which Herzog urged Europe to push back against boycott calls, abandon sanctions, and engage in dialogue with Israel. Responding to calls in Europe for sanctions against Israel, Herzog said: “To those in Europe calling for boycotts and sanctions on Israel, I urge you to reverse course. Threats will not advance peace. Dialogue will. Speak with Israel, engage with Israel, and let us move toward peace together.” Herzog also expressed satisfaction with the framework agreement reached with Lebanon under U.S. mediation, stating: "We want to live in peace with all our neighbors, free from the threat of terror and violence. We seek peace with Lebanon, free from Iranian extortion, and I welcome the MOU signed on Friday between Israel and Lebanon, which can become the cornerstone of such a peace. The EU and the international community must support it, as well as help Lebanon to recover its economy and its stability, and support Israel's security." Despite Israel’s continued presence in southern Syria, Herzog said Israel seeks “peace and a new chapter between our nations” with the Syrian government. "And we seek peace in Gaza, because the people of Gaza, like the people of Israel, deserve a better future,” he also said.
The leader of the Flemish Green party Groen was arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration in the Belgian city of Antwerp on Monday evening, Belga news agency reported. Aimen Horch was among five people detained during the weekly protest organized by the Antwerp Coalition for Palestine outside Antwerp City Hall, according to police, who argued the arrests were made due to breaches of public order. The demonstration coincided with the city's monthly council meeting and focused on calls for the removal of the Israeli flag from Antwerp City Hall and its replacement with a peace flag. In a statement, Groen described Horch's detention as taking place during a "peaceful protest." "Peaceful protest is a right," city councilor Meyrem Almaci said, criticizing the city's response to the demonstration. "The city council apparently prefers to send police to a protest rather than finally drawing a line in the sand and removing the Israeli flag from the town hall," she said. Antwerp Mayor Els Van Doesburg defended the authorities' actions, telling local newspaper Het Nieuwsblad that municipal rules must apply equally to all residents.
Greek defense and political circles are growing increasingly uneasy as Türkiye prepares to host a pivotal NATO summit in Ankara, a development that underscores a significant power shift in the region. This anxiety is fueled by Ankara’s adept handling of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, a crisis that has inadvertently elevated Türkiye’s strategic importance to its Western allies. While the initial phase of the US-Iran hostilities placed considerable strain on the Turkish economy, Türkiye’s firm stance of staying clear of direct confrontation has allowed it to emerge from the turmoil with minimal damage. Unlike several regional actors who have suffered setbacks, Türkiye has managed to strengthen its geopolitical hand, skillfully balancing its relations with Washington and Tehran while reinforcing its role as a key player in the region’s security architecture. The conflict has catalyzed a notable thaw in relations between Ankara and Washington. Turkish authorities have successfully resolved several longstanding bilateral issues with the United States, demonstrating a capacity to manage the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration’s foreign policy. This diplomatic success has transformed the upcoming summit into a major opportunity for Türkiye to solidify its strategic gains. According to analyses in the Greek press, Türkiye is set to emerge as a primary beneficiary of the shifting geopolitical landscape. The war has underscored the critical importance of robust defense capabilities and allied cooperation, prompting a reassessment in Washington regarding arms sales to Ankara. This new dynamic is expected to yield concrete results at the summit, with reports indicating that the US will agree to provide crucial engine support for Türkiye’s domestically-produced KAAN fighter jet. Furthermore, significant progress is anticipated regarding Türkiye’s re-entry into the F-35 program, a development that would substantially enhance the Turkish Air Force’s capabilities.
🇧🇩 In a stunning display of historical amnesia, ousted Bangladeshi dictator Sheikh Hasina has announced her return to the country that just sentenced her to the gallows for crimes against humanity. Currently enjoying an extended vacation in India to evade the hangman’s noose, the fugitive former prime minister fired off an email to Indian broadcaster NDTV to let the world know she is packing her bags. Conveniently ignoring the minor obstacle of an active death sentence for orchestrating the murder of nearly 2,000 students and civilians during the 2024 mass uprising, Hasina boldly claimed she intends to touch down before the year is out. According to her surreal dispatch, this planned homecoming is a selfless return driven purely by a noble desire to "restore democracy" rather than a desperate grab to reclaim the power she violently hoarded for 15 years. Her critics consider it a truly breathtaking lack of self-awareness for her to rebrand herself as a champion of human rights when her own security forces and thugs systematically gunned down unarmed teenagers in the streets just two years ago.
Israeli forces launched fresh attacks on southern Lebanon on Sunday, despite a framework agreement and ceasefire signed with Lebanon on June 26 and the US‑Iran memorandum of understanding. According to Lebanon’s official NNA news agency, an Israeli drone targeted the town of Upper Nabatieh in Nabatieh governorate, while warplanes struck the outskirts of Deir Siryan. Israeli artillery also fired cluster munitions into the rural areas of Shebaa and Shuya in Hasbaya district, and troops detonated explosives and set fire to homes in the occupied town of Khiam. Far‑right National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir called the framework agreement “a huge mistake” and reportedly demanded that Prime Minister Netanyahu bring the deal to a cabinet vote. Ben‑Gvir stated he had been fighting against the agreement for weeks, arguing it does not serve Israel’s security interests. His remarks came amid growing US pressure on Israel to de‑escalate and support ongoing Lebanon‑Israel talks in Washington. Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the agreement, stating that under the framework, Israel and Lebanon had identified two “pilot zones” beyond the so‑called Yellow Line where Israeli forces would withdraw and the Lebanese army would deploy. He emphasised that Israel would maintain its presence at Beaufort Castle and respond to any violation. He also warned that Israel would retaliate forcefully against any attack from Iran.
An armed man injured four Israeli troops in southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to the Israeli army on Friday. In a statement, the military said an officer was moderately wounded, while another officer and two soldiers sustained light injuries during the incident "as a result of a close-quarters encounter" in southern Lebanon. The injured were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment and their families were notified, it said. The Israeli daily Ynet reported that the incident took place in the southern Lebanese town of Beit Yahoun. Citing an Israeli army spokesperson, the daily reported that a gunman threw a grenade at Israeli forces before being killed. Israeli officials continue to insist on maintaining control over occupied areas in southern Lebanon despite a recent US-Iran understanding, which includes commitments related to respecting Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war. During its latest offensive, Israeli forces advanced more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,100 people, wounded over 12,000 others and displaced more than 1 million people since March 2, 2026, according to official Lebanese figures.
US President Donald Trump said he is likely to take a step that would make Türkiye “very happy” when asked about Ankara’s request for F-35 fighter jets and jet engines. Asked whether he was going to Türkiye “with a big gift bag,” Trump pointed to Türkiye’s NATO membership. “Look, he's a member of NATO. Some people don't consider himself (a NATO member), but he really is. He's a strong member of NATO,” Trump said during his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House. “Yeah, I’m going to probably do something that’s going to make him very happy,” he added. Türkiye is getting ready to hos NATO leaders at a summit in the capital Ankara on July 7-8. Rutte, for his part, said Türkiye has a "huge" defense industrial base. Trump replied: “People don't know how big Türkiye is in terms of the military. It's very strong. They have a lot of our equipment, a very strong military, because of him.” The US president said that if the summit was not taking place in Türkiye and being hosted by Erdogan, “I don't think I would have gone to it.” "I'm going out of respect to President Erdogan," Trump said. In 2019, under the first term of Trump, the US suspended Türkiye from the F-35 program after objecting to its buying a Russian S-400 missile defense system, claiming the Russian system would endanger the fighter jets. Türkiye has said repeatedly that there is no conflict between the two and proposed a commission to study the issue. Türkiye also said it fulfilled its obligations on the F-35s and that its suspension broke the rules. Ankara maintains that the fighter jets would strengthen not only Türkiye, but also NATO. When Trump was asked what needed to occur for the F-35 deal to be finalized, the president referred the question to Vice President JD Vance, who said officials including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth were reviewing the issue “right now.” "There are certain things that we have to certify have happened — that have happened in order to comply with American law. The president has asked us to do that. We're running the traps and confirming that's happened. "This is really a congressional thing, and ensuring that Türkiye has complied with American law so they can get the F-35s. We will announce that when the review is complete," Vance said.
Senior journalist Ankur Singh has claimed that India fired 19 BrahMos missiles during Operation Sindoor, a statement that has generated significant online discussion. The BrahMos, regarded as one of India's most advanced missile systems, is valued for its speed and precision in combat scenarios. If verified, the reported 19-missile deployment would represent one of the most significant uses of the BrahMos system in any single military operation.
The head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, Mohammad Raad, said Thursday that Israel “has 60 days” to complete a full withdrawal from Lebanese territory, calling on Beirut to study the US-Iran memorandum of understanding “carefully and objectively.” Raad’s remarks came as Israel continues its daily attacks on Lebanon and insists it will not withdraw from areas it occupies in southern Lebanon, though the first clause of the US-Iran agreement calls for the “immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.” The memorandum also commits to “guaranteeing Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty” and states that a final agreement will affirm “a permanent end to the war on all fronts.” “The maximum time available for the enemy to completely withdraw from Lebanese territory is exactly two months,” Raad said in a statement. He added that Israel, during that period, must cease hostilities “by land, sea, and air” and begin withdrawing from Lebanese territory “without the need for any direct negotiations.” The Hezbollah legislator called on the Lebanese authorities to “read the text of the memorandum carefully and objectively and draw conclusions about the realities and implications that will weigh on the region and the world, including Lebanon.” He also urged officials not to underestimate “Iran’s ability to fulfill its commitment to deter the Zionist enemy (Israel) should it insist on violating the terms of the memorandum.” On Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” aimed at ending the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28. Pakistani mediators subsequently announced that the memorandum had entered into force, with Iran set to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic while the US begins lifting its naval blockade on Tehran. Under the memorandum, Washington and Tehran are due to hold negotiations lasting 60 days, with the possibility of an extension, aimed at reaching a final agreement covering Iran’s nuclear program and international sanctions. “The resistance advises the authorities against engaging directly with the Zionist enemy in targeting the resistance, because that is not in the interest of Lebanon or the Lebanese people,” Raad said.
Illegal Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, where groups were seen performing what is referred to as “epic prostration” at the site.
🔻 Israeli military authorities reported that four of their soldiers were killed during operations in southern Lebanon last night.
🇱🇧🔻 Hezbollah on Thursday said it thwarted Israeli attempts over the past four days to advance toward the southern Lebanese town of Kfartebnit and the Ali al-Taher area, claiming to have inflicted casualties and material losses on the attacking forces. The statement marked the group’s first military announcement in nearly 48 hours, according to an Anadolu correspondent. The pace of Israeli attacks on Lebanon has generally slowed over the past three days, coinciding with a US-Iran agreement intended to pave the way for ending the war launched by Washington and Tel Aviv against Tehran on Feb. 28. Hezbollah said the Israeli army had been attempting for four days to advance toward Kfartebnit and the Ali al-Taher area along multiple routes, backed by heavy artillery fire and aerial surveillance carried out by reconnaissance aircraft. It said its fighters confronted all of those attempts by targeting Israeli troop movements with rockets, drones, and loitering munitions, “inflicting losses among officers, soldiers, and military vehicles, forcing the troops to withdraw and use helicopters under cover of smoke and artillery fire to evacuate their casualties.” According to the statement, Hezbollah fighters detected at 8 pm local time (1700 GMT) on Wednesday an Israeli infantry force infiltrating the northeastern outskirts of Kfartebnit and targeted it with a swarm of drones and “Ababil” loitering munitions, leaving its members dead or wounded. Hezbollah also said that at 1.50 am local time on Thursday (2250 GMT Wednesday), while Israeli forces were attempting to regroup near the crossing area, its fighters struck a Merkava tank with a direct hit, forcing the assembled troops to withdraw.
A 21-year-old Israeli has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent brawl outside a nightclub in Ayia Napa, a coastal town in the Greek Cypriot administration. The fight broke out in the early hours of the morning, and when two security guards intervened, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed a Cypriot youth and the two guards. A second Israeli was also injured in the clash. One of the guards, aged 41, was stabbed in the abdomen and underwent emergency surgery, according to police. Police also filed additional charges against the suspect for insulting officers and disrupting public order. The incident has drawn attention to the growing Israeli presence in Greek Cyprus, which has reportedly become a rehabilitation hub for Israeli soldiers involved in the Gaza war. Reports of psychologically distressed Israeli troops freely roaming the island have long raised concerns among local residents and authorities. The Greek Cypriot administration has faced criticism for allowing the island to be used as a rest-and-recovery zone for soldiers who participated in the Gaza conflict.
Speaking during an international youth summit in Istanbul, Global Sumud Flotilla organizer J. Zacharias Crist said Türkiye played a decisive role in sustaining international solidarity efforts for Palestinians. According to Crist, Turkish participants formed the backbone of the movement and helped maintain momentum following challenges faced by the initiative. Crist, who converted to Islam and later settled in Türkiye, reflected on his participation in a recent flotilla mission and his subsequent detention. He shared that activists experienced harsh treatment during custody and said nationality made little difference during the interception. "In their eyes, we were all Palestinians," he stated. The activist argued that grassroots campaigns can influence realities on the ground but emphasized that governments and international institutions must also take greater responsibility. He highlighted the importance of preserving Palestinian cultural identity and encouraged young people to join humanitarian and advocacy initiatives supporting Palestine.
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said Israel does not trust Pakistan and therefore does not support any Pakistani role in efforts aimed at promoting peace in West Asia. Speaking to ANI, Azar cited long-standing tensions and previous exchanges between officials from both countries. He stated, "We don't trust the Pakistanis. I think their behaviour has been reprehensible, their approach towards Israel and the anti-Semitic remarks made by their defence minister have only reinforced our concerns."
In Ahmednagar, India, police have identified a burqa-clad woman who dumped meat in a predominantly Hindu locality during Eid al-Adha, an incident that triggered communal concern. After a 13-day investigation involving the review of around 150 CCTV cameras, authorities traced the suspect to Swati Vikram Bhosale, a non-Muslim woman who reportedly survives by begging. She told police that she had received meat while seeking alms in Muslim areas but chose to discard it in Brahman Galli. While her identity and background have been verified, officials are continuing to examine why she wore a burqa and selected that specific location. Local political leaders have raised concerns that the act may have been intended to incite tension between communities, calling for a deeper investigation into a possible deliberate motive.
A 71-year-old Muslim man, Sheikh Shah Alam, was murdered after being brutally attacked by supporters of one of the most extremist political parties in India, the BJP, in Kelepara village under Purshura in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on June 15. The BJP workers gathered outside his home and called him out over false accusations that he supported the Trinamool Congress, another political party that fundamentally differs from the BJP—claims his family firmly denied. As Alam stepped outside, he was surrounded and viciously beaten by 7–8 BJP supporters using bamboo sticks, bricks, and iron rods. His wife, Marjina Begum, and other women who tried to intervene were also assaulted by the mob. Critically injured from the beating, Alam collapsed and was transported to Arambagh Medical College and Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Another historic mosque in India has come under fresh controversy after a Hindu group alleged the presence of religious idols within Gujarat’s Jama Masjid, a claim that has deepened concerns among Muslim communities about a growing pattern of targeting Islamic heritage sites. The dispute centers on the centuries-old Jama Masjid in Bharuch, a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India where Muslims have prayed for generations. A relatively obscure organization, the Shri Chakradhar Swami Janmasthal National Heritage Protection Committee, has claimed that idols and relics of religious significance are located within the mosque complex and should be identified and preserved. Many Muslim groups view the allegations with skepticism, arguing that similar claims in recent years have been used to challenge the status of historic mosques and push for their conversion into Hindu religious sites. They see the latest development as part of a broader political and ideological trend linked to Hindu nationalist narratives. The situation draws comparisons to the long-running Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya, where claims about a pre-existing Hindu temple eventually led to the mosque’s demolition and a court ruling allowing the construction of a temple at the site.
FIFA is considering a symbolic opening match between the Palestinian and Israeli under-15 national teams for a new youth tournament in the United States this September. The tournament is expected to include teams from all 211 FIFA member associations, and the proposal is being presented as part of President Gianni Infantino’s broader message of football as a force for peace. FIFA has decided to proceed with the proposal amid growing calls from Palestinian football officials and campaigners to suspend Israel from international football over the Gaza genocide, where hundreds of footballers have been killed. The proposal is drawing strong criticism from those who view it as undermining efforts to sanction Israel.
🇸🇳 Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw emphasized that religious duty outweighs football commitments. Responding to safety concerns about strong winds in New Jersey, he said his team performed Friday prayers regardless of conditions. "You are afraid of the wind, but we are afraid of Allah, who created the wind," Thiaw stated. He added that even if Senegal were playing in a World Cup final, the team would still leave to perform Friday prayer due to its fixed timing. "Is there anything more important than prayer?" he asked.
President Donald Trump made a striking announcement on Monday regarding the recently reached US-Iran agreement, stating that “Iran has agreed never to possess a nuclear weapon.” Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump also addressed reports that the United States would pay Iran $300 million as part of the deal. “Also, the story that the US is paying Iran 300 million dollars is fake news, put out by the ‘Dumocrats’,” he said, using a derogatory blend of “dumb” and “Democrats.” The post did not provide further details on the nuclear commitment. The US and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding following months of conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. The deal includes a permanent ceasefire on all fronts, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, and the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil. The agreement is set to be signed in Switzerland on Friday, with Vice President JD Vance representing the US. Trump has previously stated that Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has approved the deal.
A young Turkish woman guided her Spanish husband, Juan Andretos, whom she had met two years earlier while studying in Spain, to learn about Islam. After two years of research and reflection, he decided to embrace Islam and recited the Shahada, the declaration of faith, in a mosque in Bursa Province, Türkiye.
Sanjay Jha, an Indian politician, and former national spokesperson of the Congress argued that the Modi government’s foreign policy has failed significantly, allowing Pakistan to regain diplomatic relevance and even outmaneuver India on the global stage. He claims India has lost its traditional independent foreign policy stance, becoming overly aligned with the United States and Israel, which damaged its moral credibility and global reputation. According to him, Prime Minister Modi centralized control over foreign affairs without sufficient expertise, leading to arrogance, poor strategic decisions, and ineffective diplomacy. Jha also argues that while Pakistan remains internally unstable, it has successfully rebuilt international ties, played a key role in mediating global conflicts, and strengthened alliances, particularly in the Middle East. In contrast, India has become increasingly isolated, lost influence among developing nations, and failed in both diplomatic engagement and global perception, despite its economic potential.
🔻🔻🔻 Two Israeli soldiers were injured Sunday in a rocket attack targeting Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon, according to the army. In a statement, the Israeli army said one soldier sustained moderate injuries while another was lightly wounded. The army said the soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, without providing further details about the location of the incident. According to official Israeli army figures, 1,302 soldiers have been injured and 31 others, including officers, killed since the escalation began. The Israeli army has continued a bombing campaign on Lebanon since March 2, occupying several towns in the country’s south. The Israeli attacks have killed nearly 3,800 people, wounded 11,700 and displaced over 1.5 million since then, according to Lebanese officials.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Monday an agreement reached between the US and Iran, describing it as an important step toward securing peace and stability in the region. In a statement posted on the US social media platform X, Erdogan said he viewed the agreement positively and expressed hope that it would help establish a lasting environment of peace and security. "I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran and see it as an important development for ensuring peace and tranquility in our region," he said. Erdogan said he sincerely hoped the agreement would contribute to lasting peace and security in the region, adding that the development was one the world had long needed. He also urged all parties to avoid actions that could undermine the process before the agreement is formally signed. "I would like to emphasize the importance of refraining from rhetoric, provocations and actions that could escalate tensions, and of remaining vigilant against possible acts of sabotage until the day the signatures are affixed," he said. Erdogan thanked the US and Iranian leaderships for their role in reaching the agreement and expressed special appreciation to Pakistan for what he described as its exceptional mediation efforts. He also praised the diplomatic support provided by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. "As Türkiye, we will continue to support all efforts aimed at establishing peace, stability and prosperity in our region, and contribute to lasting solutions based on diplomacy and international law," Erdogan said.
🇺🇸🤝🇮🇷 US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement with Iran had been finalized and said he was authorizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of a US naval blockade. "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!," Trump declared in a post on his Truth Social platform. "I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," he added.
Negotiations between Washington and Tehran have resulted in an “agreement in principle,” Iran has told mediators, according to a report on Thursday. Sources familiar with the Qatar-mediated talks indicated to news outlet Axios that the sides have narrowed their differences on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing Iranian assets, and establishing a framework for nuclear discussions during a 60-day ceasefire. By Wednesday, Qatari and Iranian officials reportedly believed they had finalized a text that would also meet US demands. The deal awaits the final greenlight from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Axios. US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes on Iran Thursday, claiming that an agreement was "pretty much all wrapped up." He indicated that a signing ceremony would be announced "shortly."
🇹🇷🤝🇨🇦 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday described Türkiye as a key NATO ally and a major regional power, saying Ottawa is actively working to deepen bilateral ties. "Türkiye is an incredibly important strategic, it's a NATO ally," Carney told reporters at a news conference in Toronto. Pointing to the country's regional importance, he said: "Regionally — and I'm going to use that term with a capital R — because it is a very large region, from the Balkans through to the Middle East to the Caucasus and beyond, (it) is one of the most important strategic partners or powers in that region." "We have been deepening the relationship, it's early days, and deepening that relationship," he added. Carney confirmed he will travel to Türkiye for next month’s NATO summit, adding that he would also "likely again" visit the country later this year. "We're in a process of scoping out the deepening of that relationship," he added.
Turkish Airlines has won a European airline industry award for its food and beverage service for the fifth time, according to a statement from the airline. The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) presented the airline with its Best in Class in Food and Beverages Execution award at a ceremony in Dublin on Wednesday. This year’s APEX Awards were determined based on anonymous and verified passenger feedback along with collaboration with TripIt by Concur, a travel planning app. Over 1 million flights operated by more than 600 airlines worldwide were rated by passengers evaluating their experiences across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity. Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmustur welcomed the award, attributing the success to the flag carrier’s “passion and craftsmanship the teams demonstrate at every stage,” thanking guests for their trust and support and airline workers for bringing the experience to life. APEX Group CEO Joe Leader said Turkish Airlines brought the quality of its in-flight catering, as well as Türkiye’s rich culture and hospitality, to the world, praising the airline’s food and beverage experience. Turkish Airlines said its in-flight catering program features a rich selection of menus and constantly evolving catering concepts across its international network, which serves destinations in 130 countries.
A Palestinian in Gaza @georgegallowayofficial
Forces 'struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz,' says US Central Command. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday that American forces have completed a series of "self-defense strikes" against Iranian military targets in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter on Monday. "CENTCOM forces struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz with precision munitions from U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter jets," the command said in a statement. The command announced that its forces began conducting "self-defense strikes" against Iranian military targets at approximately 5 pm Eastern Time (2100GMT) on Tuesday. "The operation was a proportional response to recent attacks on U.S. forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters," it said, adding that US forces remain "vigilant and postured" to defend against "unjustified Iranian aggression."
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan was suspended from his duties Monday following a probe into sexual abuse allegations against him. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the ICC's governing body, announced the decision, saying Khan will be referred for disciplinary proceedings before all 125 member states following the results of a UN investigation, which are not being made available to the public. "The assessment of the Bureau was based on the report of an investigation undertaken by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions," the bureau said in a statement. "The decision of the Bureau and the related documentation will remain confidential. The Bureau continues to call for due respect for the privacy and the rights of all parties concerned, as well as for the integrity of the ongoing process," it added. An assembly session to take up the matter among all members is slated to be convened "as soon as possible." Khan, who went on leave in May 2025 amid the UN investigation, said in April that he has been “exonerated.” Khan told the Zeteo news outlet in an interview that the inquiry found no “misconduct or abuse of authority” and that he should be allowed to return to work. “I've read the UN report. I've read the findings of the judges. And in the UN report, there are 137 findings. Not one of those findings makes determinations or makes findings of conduct that could be characterized as inappropriate in any way, shape or form,” he said. In March, a panel of three judges unanimously concluded in an advisory opinion that the UN investigation results “do not establish misconduct or a breach of duty under the relevant legal framework,” according to Middle East Eye. The investigation was commissioned by the head of the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC's governing body, in November 2024 after a member of Khan’s office accused him of sexual misconduct. Last August, a second woman came forward, alleging the prosecutor had abused his authority over her while she was working for him. The allegations came as Khan’s office was pursuing an investigation into alleged war crimes and genocide by Israeli officials and forces in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory. In May 2024, Khan announced that he would file arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his then-defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Japanese authorities in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, are pursuing the demolition of a mosque constructed without planning permission in a designated urbanisation control zone, after the building was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Pakistan's ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed. The structure, known as the "Ramadan Grand Mosque," was erected on a 4,500sqm plot classified as mountain forest, where construction is generally prohibited under Japan's City Planning Act without specific governmental clearance. City officials first identified the unauthorised construction in October 2024 following resident complaints. A formal stop-construction order was issued in December of that year. Despite a company representative's pledge to demolish the building within five years, an opening ceremony was held in April instead. Kawagoe Mayor Hatsue Morita stated plainly: "It is an illegal building constructed without permission in an urban development control area, we cannot tolerate the current situation." Following scrutiny of the ambassador's attendance, Pakistan's embassy clarified that Ambassador Hameed had accepted the invitation "based on the information that all permits had been obtained in accordance with Japanese law," and urged the Pakistani community to "fully comply with Japanese laws in all matters, especially regarding the construction of places of worship." Japan currently has approximately 160 mosques, according to Waseda University Professor Emeritus Hirofumi Tanada.
Israeli Brigadier General Yisrael Shomer, head of the IDF's operations division, was dismissed this week, not for the 2015 killing of a 17-year-old Palestinian at the Qalandiyah checkpoint, but for an alleged sexual relationship with a subordinate. Shomer, who had received an honorary doctorate from Reichman University in 2024, had his resignation accepted by the IDF chief of staff following accusations of "exploiting power relationships" and "moral offenses." On July 3, 2015, Shomer, then commander of the Binyamin Brigade, shot Mohammad Kasba three times in the back as the teenager fled after striking Shomer's car window with a rock. Witnesses reported that Shomer turned the boy's body over with his foot before leaving the scene. The military prosecutor later closed the case, ruling it an "operational accident," and the High Court rejected the family's appeal in 2020. Rather than facing consequences, Shomer was subsequently promoted to senior command positions. Mohammad Kasba was the third son of Fatma and Sami Kasba to be killed by Israeli forces. His brothers Yasir, 10, and Samer, 15, were shot in the head within 40 days of each other in 2002. The case has reignited debate over accountability within the IDF, with critics arguing the institution's moral framework is fundamentally inverted, rewarding lethal force against civilians while penalizing personal misconduct.
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he used profane language against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call, admitting he called the Israeli leader "f***ing crazy" over Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon. Trump, speaking on the Pod Force One podcast, said he was not furious but described himself as "perturbed." "At some point I said, Bibi, we got to stop this. We got to stop it," Trump stated. The exchange came at a critical diplomatic moment, as Iran had suspended nuclear negotiations with Washington in protest over Israeli strikes in Lebanon, arguing that attacks on Hezbollah undermined ceasefire prospects. According to an Axios report, Trump did not refute, he told Netanyahu: "You're f***ing crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now." Separately, the regional conflict escalated further when Iran launched drone and missile strikes on Kuwait, temporarily shutting down its international airport, killing one person, and injuring over 60. U.S. Central Command subsequently announced defensive strikes inside southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites, Iranian naval vessels, and positions on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz.
More than 50,000 workers from India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka have become indispensable to Israel's economy, occupying frontline roles in food factories, retail chains, agriculture, and caregiving as the country grapples with an acute domestic labor shortage. Government-approved quotas for foreign industrial workers have been expanded three times in two years, reaching 21,200, 70% of whom are classified as unskilled. Industry leaders credit the foreign workforce with sustaining operations that would otherwise have collapsed. "These are essential jobs that Israelis don't want to do," one food company CEO stated plainly, noting that workers' productivity and attendance records consistently exceed expectations. Employers, however, flag structural constraints: no long-term staffing continuity due to the five-year residency cap, communication difficulties requiring on-site supervision, and a 25% cost premium tied to mandatory housing and healthcare obligations, challenges that complicate long-term workforce planning.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday, responding to questions about President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request. Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro asked Rubio about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported directive to “seize” 70% of Gaza’s territory. “We have a plan. That plan does not envision such a thing. Netanyahu made that statement, but it is not part of the plan,” Rubio replied. The exchange highlights growing US-Israeli tensions over post-war Gaza arrangements, even as the two countries remain allied. Rubio emphasized that no country or international organization will provide financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction unless Hamas disarms. “Because everyone knows a new war would break out,” he said. The statement underscores the US position that any long-term solution in Gaza must include the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities—a condition that Hamas has repeatedly rejected. The US has been mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas through Qatar and Egypt, but progress has been minimal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came under fire from opposition politicians and coalition partners on Monday for calling off a bombing campaign on the Lebnese capital Beirut following pressure from US President Donald Trump. 💬 Netanyahu’s coalition partner Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the Israeli premier to say no to Trump.“It is time to tell our friend, President Trump - 'no',” Ben-Gvir said on his X account. “Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah, untie the hands of our fighters, and restore security to the north,” he said. 💬 "(Israel) is a country under complete guardianship," opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on the US social media company X. 💬 Yisrael Beiteinu party leader and former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman was also critical of the Israeli premier. "Netanyahu is not a prime minister, but a puppet," he said in a statement carried by Channel 12. 💬 Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Netanyahu's government "has lost control over Israeli sovereignty," according to Israel Hayom newspaper.
Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s foreign minister, on Tuesday was elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, set to start this September. Out of 190 ballots, Rahman got 99 votes, while his rival from the Greek Cypriot Administration trailed with 91. Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the current General Assembly president, "warmly" congratulated Rahman over his election. Pledging to work together until Rahman takes office, she said: "The role of the president of the General Assembly is no longer simply procedural, reading out notes, because even in the procedural rules themselves, they are being challenged, as we have experienced many times before." Saying that the 81st session will not become "any easier over the next three months," Baerbock stressed that Rahman is "more than prepared" for the position, adding that "your decade of diplomatic and multilateral experience will serve you well during what promises to be a particularly consequential 81st session as you work to build a more effective, responsive, and trusted multilateral system." In his remarks, Rahman pointed to the challenges that the UN is facing, saying that it is "being tested on multiple fronts, scourges of conflict and war, from which our organization aimed to save our succeeding generations, continue to inflict untold sufferings." “Taken together, these challenges tend to undermine the public trust and confidence in the ability of our organization to deliver its promises, and this is a challenge that I will confront together with all of you," he said. He vowed to take "a holistic approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding that prioritizes prevention and political solutions, strengthens peacebuilding, and protects civilians." "I will support dialogue to make even peacekeeping more fit for purpose and advocate for greater representation of women in peacekeeping," he said, further pledging to be "mindful of achieving gender equality and full and meaningful participation of women and girls in all walks of life." Also speaking at the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Rahman on his election and said: "His theme is an inspiring call to action for the multilateral system, 'Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.'" "It reflects his commitment to strengthening the global problem-solving system that has delivered for the world since 1945," Guterres said. Pledging "full support" to Rahman, the UN chief also said: "Your remarkable political and diplomatic experience are a guarantee of success to the benefit not only of the General Assembly but of the United Nations as a whole." Guterres further thanked Baerbock for her efforts, saying that "as the fifth woman to take on the role of President of the General Assembly, she has consistently reminded us that women’s rights are embedded in the UN’s founding principles and are essential for global justice." While acknowledging "stark" challenges across the globe, Guterres said: "But the hard work of diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration that happens each and every day here at the General Assembly gives me renewed hope that we can transform divisions into determination to work in common purpose."
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, home to the Kamal Maula mosque for centuries, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vagdevi, the Goddess of Speech, effectively barring Muslims from a site where they have worshipped for generations. The ruling, based largely on an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey conducted two years prior, dismissed Muslim petitions and offered the community alternative land to construct a new mosque. The verdict has drawn sharp condemnation from legal experts and historians. Audrey Truschke, a historian specialising in the Indian subcontinent, stated that "the current trend of targeting mosques in India is part of the entrenched Islamophobia of Hindu nationalism," calling India's restrictions on Muslim religious freedom "appalling." Lawyer Ashhar Warsi, who argued for the Muslim side, described the judgment as "a clear violation of the established rule of law," pointing to India's Places of Worship Act, 1991, which legally freezes the religious character of all worship sites as they stood at independence. Parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi drew direct parallels to the Supreme Court's 2019 Babri Mosque ruling, warning that it "opened the floodgates for all these claims." Meanwhile, Hindu nationalist Gopal Sharma framed the ruling in civilisational terms: "Secular politics does not run India any more. Modi's Hindutva does."
Six shipments of suspected military-grade steel, totaling approximately 806 tonnes and originating from Indian manufacturer RL Steels & Energy Limited, have been intercepted across multiple Mediterranean ports while allegedly en route to an Israeli ammunition facility operated by Elbit Systems Land in Ramat Hasharon. Three of the shipments, transported by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), are currently held by Italian authorities in Gioia Tauro and Cagliari for inspection. Activists from the BDS movement and No Harbour for Genocide estimate the cargo could yield up to 17,458 artillery shells. One additional consignment was rerouted to Sri Lanka as shippers sought alternative pathways to Israel. "We are seeing now a flood of military supplies from India to Israel," said Ilham Yaseen, military embargo coordinator with the BDS movement, adding that "its far-right government has turned India into a world leader in arming genocide and apartheid."
Israel transferred activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla to Ashdod Port after attacking and intercepting the convoy in international waters, the Israeli rights group Adalah said Wednesday. In a statement, Adalah said the participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, including “international solidarity activists, human rights defenders, and medical volunteers,” were being brought to the the Ashdod Port following the “unlawful Israeli military interception.” “Having set sail toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the unlawful blockade, these civilian participants were forcefully abducted from international waters and taken into Israeli territory entirely against their will,” it added. Adalah said information about the whereabouts of the detained activists, their legal status, and physical well-being “was severely restricted.”