US President Donald Trump confirmed that he changed aircraft while returning from Turkey because of an Iranian threat. He acknowledged the move on August 12 while answering reporters’ questions in the Oval Office. The incident occurred on July 8 after a NATO summit in Turkey, when Trump was departing Ankara International Airport for the United States.

Footage recorded by journalists showed Trump boarding Air Force One, the official presidential aircraft. Shortly afterward, he left the plane under security guard and was taken in a catering truck to another end of the airport tarmac. He then boarded a smaller US Air Force C-32A aircraft and later returned to Washington on that plane.

The Washington Post had reported the aircraft change several days earlier. Trump said the decision was made by the Secret Service and that he followed the advice of security personnel and the military. Asked about the nature of the Iranian threat, he said he had not asked many detailed questions. Trump said he receives many threats but does not worry excessively about security.

US President Donald Trump secretly departed Ankara, Turkey, for Britain aboard a smaller C-32A aircraft on July 8, according to an unnamed US official cited by The Washington Post and reported by Amardesh. The official said Trump was moved inside a catering container after initially boarding Air Force One.

Several US media outlets said Trump had arrived in Ankara on a new Air Force One obtained from Qatar to attend a NATO summit. They reported that a threat to his life prompted the last-minute aircraft change, citing a threat from an Iran-backed group. Journalists aboard the older Air Force One were instructed to keep their window shades down during the return from Ankara.

A Washington Post video reportedly showed a catering truck leaving the older Air Force One minutes after Trump boarded and moving toward the smaller C-32A. After both aircraft reached the United Kingdom, video showed Trump leaving the larger aircraft and walking toward the new Air Force One. It remains unconfirmed how he returned to the larger plane. White House communications director Steven Cheung said the new aircraft has high-level security systems.

Turkey’s olive oil exporters have raised concerns that possible US taxes and trade barriers could create new challenges for the country’s exports in international markets. They called for swift action, warning that olives, described by Turkish farmers as “green gold,” are a valuable agricultural product and a key part of the sector.

Industry businesses said additional tariffs or taxes in the US market could raise the price of Turkish olive oil and weaken its position in international competition. The United States is one of the important markets for Turkey’s olive oil, meaning such a decision could place significant pressure on exporters.

Exporters said the industry involves not only large companies but also thousands of farmers and small producers, so barriers in export markets could affect the broader production system. Turkey is among the world’s important olive and olive oil producing countries and has been trying to expand export markets in recent years. Exporters described maintaining access to the US market as strategically important and urged rapid diplomatic and commercial initiatives to address potential tax barriers.

Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has officially joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on a free transfer, according to a report published on August 5, 2026. The club confirmed his arrival through a social media video, showing the star in Trabzonspor’s traditional maroon and blue shirt for the first time. The move ends one of the summer transfer window’s most widely discussed stories.

In a video message to supporters, Salah said: “Trabzonspor fans, are you ready? See you very soon.” He ended the message by saying the Turkish club slogan, “Bize her yer Trabzon.” The report said the process moved quickly after talks were formally announced, with his arrival in Turkey, medical examination and contract signing all completed in a short period.

Salah had been linked in recent weeks with Besiktas, Atletico Madrid, Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah, and several American clubs, but ultimately chose to remain in Europe. The transfer concludes his nine-year spell with Liverpool, where the report says he won the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, among other titles.

Former Turkish prime minister and foreign minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has announced his withdrawal from politics, saying the opposition Future Party will cease political activities. In a report published on August 2, 2026, he described the move not as surrender but as a decision to distance himself from the country’s “polluted political environment.” Once a close ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Davutoğlu later became a critic of the political system he helped build.

Davutoğlu, an academic, sought to introduce a new outlook to Turkish foreign policy through his “Strategic Depth” theory. He became foreign minister in 2009 and prime minister in 2014. During his tenure, Turkey expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa and the Middle East under a policy of “zero problems with neighbors.” However, his foreign policy faced challenges amid the Syrian war and changing regional conditions.

He left the premiership in 2016 after disagreements with Erdoğan over power and policy, then formed the Future Party in 2019. Analysts said the party failed to gain significant support because of limits on opposition politics and its inability to establish an independent organizational base. Running under the main opposition CHP’s symbol in 2023 further weakened its separate political identity.

Ozgur Ozel, the ousted leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has announced the formation of a new political party after resigning from the CHP. The announcement was made on Tuesday in the presence of more than 80 CHP lawmakers. Ozel told the assembled legislators that the move marked a painful but inevitable farewell and expressed hope for a new beginning with the public. He is expected to soon submit an application to the Interior Ministry to register the new party, which may be named the ‘Yeni Parti’ (New Party).

Ozel was removed from his position as CHP chairman by a court order in May, which reinstated former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu as interim head. The leadership dispute between Ozel and Kilicdaroglu had intensified internal divisions within the party. Supporters of Ozel claim the court’s decision was politically motivated and part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s strategy to weaken the opposition, a charge the government denies, insisting on judicial independence.

Ozel’s move comes amid government investigations into several CHP-run municipalities and the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Analysts expect the new party to reshape Turkey’s opposition landscape.

Turkey is considering transferring its Russian-made S-400 air defense system to the United Arab Emirates to remove US objections and reopen the way for purchasing F-35 fighter jets, according to the Wall Street Journal citing US and regional officials. The move follows discussions during a recent NATO summit, where US President Donald Trump indicated he might reconsider lifting the ban on Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program.

Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019 after buying the S-400 from Russia, as Washington feared the coexistence of both systems could expose sensitive data about the US aircraft to Moscow. Implementing the transfer plan faces major hurdles, including the need for Russian approval and support from the US Congress, where opposition to selling F-35s to Turkey remains strong.

The outcome of the plan depends on negotiations among Russia, the United States, and Turkey. The issue arises amid regional security concerns, as Gulf states seek to strengthen air defenses following Iranian drone and missile attacks.

An Israeli military analyst has stated that Turkey is unlikely to receive U.S. F-35 fighter jets even if it sells its Russian-made S-400 missile defense system to Qatar or the United Arab Emirates. The report, published by Eurasian Times on July 19, 2026, follows Turkish media claims that Ankara is exploring the sale to lift U.S. sanctions. Turkey’s defense ministry confirmed that multilateral discussions on the issue are ongoing.

The United States expelled Turkey from the F-35 program and imposed CAATSA sanctions after Ankara purchased the S-400 system from Russia, citing risks to the aircraft’s stealth technology. Although U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested reconsidering the sanctions and F-35 sales, former Israel Aerospace Industries vice president Shai Gal noted that such approval requires consent from Congress, the Pentagon, and intelligence agencies, making it unlikely within Trump’s term.

Analysts also argue that removing the S-400 will not erase U.S. mistrust, as Russian experts were involved in its operation. Israel and Greece have voiced opposition to any F-35 sale to Turkey, warning it could upset the regional military balance.

On July 15, 2016, Turkey witnessed a failed military coup attempt marked by tanks on the streets, air raids, and a bombing of the parliament building. Citizens responded to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call and thwarted the coup within hours, leaving 253 people dead. The event triggered sweeping political, institutional, and foreign policy changes that continue to shape the country a decade later.

Following the coup, the government declared a state of emergency lasting until 2018 and launched the largest purge in Turkish history. Thousands of soldiers, judges, police officers, academics, and civil servants were detained or dismissed for alleged links to cleric Fethullah Gulen’s network, which authorities blamed for the coup. Critics argued the purge was used to silence dissent. In 2017, a referendum replaced the parliamentary system with a powerful presidential model, consolidating authority under Erdogan. International organizations reported declining judicial independence and press freedom, with Turkey ranking 163rd in the 2026 press freedom index.

The coup attempt also ended the military’s traditional political role, placing the armed forces firmly under civilian control. Turkey’s foreign policy became more security-focused, marked by operations in northern Syria and closer ties with Russia despite tensions with the United States and stalled EU accession talks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated that Turkey will not engage in any direct military conflict with Israel. He made the remarks in an interview with UAE-based media outlet The National, following recent heated exchanges between officials of the two countries. Fidan emphasized that there is no logical reason or necessity for Turkey to go to war with Israel.

According to Fidan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some of his close allies are creating provocative situations to gain electoral advantage. He claimed that Netanyahu and his associates always seek an external enemy to sustain their political standing. Fidan noted that Israel is already involved in conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, and that some Israeli politicians now view Turkey as a new adversary for electoral purposes.

Fidan also acknowledged that not all Israeli politicians or citizens share the same mindset, expressing appreciation that there are still sensible and rational individuals in Israel who do not follow extremist views.

During an official visit to Turkey, Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir expressed admiration for the country’s Muslim population, highlighting their tolerance, warm hospitality, and the spiritual atmosphere she experienced. In a post on social media platform X, she said she was deeply moved by the sound of the Azan, describing it as a profound and heartfelt melody.

Frostadóttir also noted the warm welcome she received throughout her visit and shared her appreciation for the positive experiences in Turkey. She stated that she intends to return to Turkey soon, emphasizing the impression the country and its people left on her.

The remarks reflect a tone of cultural appreciation and mutual respect between Iceland and Turkey, as conveyed through the Prime Minister’s personal reflections during her trip.

Turkey’s importance in Europe’s defense and security architecture is rapidly increasing, driven by its expanding military capabilities, self-reliant defense industry, and active diplomacy. Hosting the latest NATO summit, Ankara showcased its emergence as a key partner in European security. Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest army, now meets about 80 percent of its own defense needs and recorded over 10 billion dollars in defense exports last year. Its Bayraktar TB-2 drones, used effectively in Ukraine, have been purchased by several European nations.

Turkish defense firms such as Roketsan and Aselsan are now part of major NATO projects, developing missile and air defense systems. Diplomatically, Turkey has played mediator roles in conflicts involving Ukraine, Syria, and the Middle East. During the summit, the UK and Turkey announced a new defense and security cooperation agreement to institutionalize intelligence sharing and joint defense efforts.

Analysts cited Europe’s growing reliance on Turkey amid rising security threats from Russia. However, Turkey’s deepening defense ties with Europe may create new geopolitical challenges, including tensions with the United States and Israel over advanced fighter jet programs.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. Trump stated that a decision on whether to proceed with the sale would be made soon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the potential sale, urging Trump not to sell the advanced aircraft to Turkey. Netanyahu argued that such a move could endanger Israel, given the strained relations between Turkey and Israel. His office also reported that Trump briefed him on U.S. actions in the Gulf region amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

The discussions highlight the complex regional dynamics involving the United States, Turkey, Israel, and Iran, as Washington weighs its defense commitments and alliances in the Middle East.

After the NATO summit in Ankara, several world leaders were surprised to find revolvers and live ammunition among their belongings. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had presented each leader with a vintage-style Gümüşay .357 Magnum revolver and bullets as farewell gifts. The gesture was intended to showcase Turkey’s defense industry, which has become a major export sector and a key element of its foreign policy.

Photos released by Lithuania’s president’s office showed the revolver in a wooden box bearing Turkish and NATO emblems. Leaders from Spain, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Canada, and the European Commission handled the gifts differently, with some storing them in embassies, museums, or official buildings, and others leaving them in Ankara for deactivation. The Belgian prime minister even turned his revolver over to airport police for safekeeping.

The incident drew wide attention on social media, with some viewing it as symbolic while officials treated it as a matter of customs and diplomatic protocol. Turkey’s growing small arms industry has become a strong competitor in Europe, ranking third globally in small arms exports between 2019 and 2024.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented each head of state and government attending the NATO summit in Ankara with a personalized revolver loaded with live bullets. Each firearm bore the recipient leader’s name engraved on it. However, the revolver inscribed with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s name was not taken to Britain and remains with British officials in Turkey. Officials said the weapon will be deactivated before being sent to the UK to ensure it cannot fire live ammunition.

Erdogan reportedly relaxed Turkey’s export control laws to allow the gifts, though importing live firearms without authorization is illegal in the UK. Downing Street did not release any images of the revolver. During the summit, Prime Minister Starmer and President Erdogan signed a defense agreement aimed at improving intelligence sharing between the two countries.

In a post-summit statement, Starmer said NATO had emerged stronger and more united, emphasizing the importance of alliance unity amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. This was Starmer’s final major international summit following his recent resignation announcement.