U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of his plan to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey this July, according to multiple sources cited by Middle East Eye. The announcement follows a period of mixed signals from Trump regarding the United States’ role in the alliance. In April, he had said he was seriously considering withdrawing from NATO, but during a May 20 phone call with Erdoğan, he expressed interest in joining the Ankara meeting.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Erdoğan and Trump have spoken several times in recent weeks, and Trump never indicated he would skip the summit. Reports also suggest Erdoğan hopes to meet Trump in Los Angeles on June 25 during a U.S.–Turkey World Cup match, though no final decision has been made. European officials view the Ankara summit as one of the most significant in decades, given uncertainty over U.S. defense commitments.

NATO leaders, including Secretary General Mark Rutte, are expected to emphasize the alliance’s importance to transatlantic security. Diplomats suggest allies may seek a gradual U.S. troop withdrawal roadmap if Trump insists on reducing America’s role.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as the long-term beneficiary of Iran’s war against the United States and Israel, using the global distraction to accelerate his domestic authoritarian consolidation. While international attention was diverted, Erdogan intensified crackdowns on opposition forces and strengthened Turkey’s global standing. Riot police recently stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) after its leader Ozgur Ozel was removed by court order, prompting clashes with supporters.

Analysts cited in the report say Erdogan is exploiting a favorable geopolitical environment created by the Iran conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and declining Western influence. His government faces high inflation and waning popularity, prompting stronger control ahead of the 2028 elections. Meanwhile, Turkey has expanded its defense exports, signing deals with Iraq, Indonesia, and Portugal, and has become the world’s 11th-largest arms exporter.

Erdogan aims to turn Turkey into a major energy and trade hub while hosting a NATO summit in July 2026 from a position of greater strength. Experts warn that Western powers’ tolerance of democratic backsliding could embolden authoritarian consolidation and weaken alliance cohesion.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara is ready to promote peace and stability through dialogue. On Tuesday, he held separate phone conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During these calls, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to supporting all efforts that yield positive outcomes from dialogue.

Erdogan told Pezeshkian that Turkey would continue to provide all kinds of support to ensure constructive discussions. He stressed that Ankara is cooperating with brotherly nations to secure regional peace and stability. Erdogan also remarked that the ongoing United States–Israel war against Iran has cast a shadow over the celebration of Eid al-Adha.

Expressing optimism, Erdogan said he believes the Iranian people will overcome these difficult times and regain security and stability. He also extended Eid al-Adha greetings to the Iranian president.

Several African countries are showing interest in strengthening security cooperation with Turkey, following the ‘Somali model’ developed between Ankara and Mogadishu. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler announced this during the ongoing Efes military exercise in western Turkey, noting that Ankara continues to provide training and technical support to African armed forces to enhance their capabilities. He added that multiple countries have requested similar arrangements to the one implemented in Somalia, and these requests are under review.

Turkey’s partnership with Somalia began in 2011 as a humanitarian mission and has since evolved into a comprehensive security and economic alliance. Turkey operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and manages key infrastructure including hospitals, companies, the city’s port, and airport. The country has also invested heavily in protecting Somalia’s coastline and conducting offshore oil and gas exploration.

According to an internal source in Ankara, countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia may also seek Turkish security assistance in the near future.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that Turkey is ready to provide any form of assistance in implementing a potential agreement with Iran. He made the remarks during a recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump and other regional leaders, according to Al Jazeera. Erdoğan’s office said he emphasized that ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and reaching an agreement with Iran could enhance stability in the Middle East and bring relief to the global economy.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such an initiative could signal diplomatic progress aimed at easing long-standing tensions between Iran and Western countries. The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to reduce regional friction and promote cooperation among key stakeholders.

If realized, the proposed deal and Turkey’s involvement could contribute to broader regional stability and economic reassurance, though details of the agreement remain under discussion.

A Turkish appeals court in Ankara has annulled the 2023 party congress that elected Ozgur Ozel as chairman of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), declaring the vote invalid. The ruling effectively removes Ozel from his position and reinstates former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu as interim head. The court cited allegations of electoral fraud and inducements used to secure Ozel’s victory. The decision is seen as politically advantageous for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Under Ozel’s leadership, the CHP had grown in popularity, nearly matching Erdogan’s ruling AK Party. Ozel became a prominent opposition figure after the 2025 arrest and imprisonment of Istanbul’s former mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, which triggered nationwide protests. A lower court had previously dismissed the allegations against the 2023 congress, but the appeals court overturned that ruling.

Following the verdict, the CHP called an emergency meeting at its Ankara headquarters, where hundreds of supporters protested. The Istanbul BIST 100 stock index dropped more than six percent, prompting a temporary suspension of trading. The next presidential election in Turkey is scheduled for 2028.

Israel is considering closing its consulate in Istanbul due to ongoing tensions with Iran and heightened security risks, according to an Israeli diplomatic source. Internal discussions are underway regarding the future of the consulate, one of Israel’s oldest diplomatic missions. Even if the Istanbul office is closed, the Israeli embassy in Ankara will remain formally open but without Israeli diplomats on duty.

Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israeli officials were withdrawn from Turkey, and both the Ankara embassy and Istanbul consulate have since been operated by local Turkish staff. The consulate building, located in Istanbul’s commercial district, faces potential demolition due to earthquake risks and high maintenance costs. A shooting incident near the consulate on April 7 further intensified security discussions.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated since the Hamas-Israel war began, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. The two countries had restored diplomatic ties in 2016 after years of strained relations following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has renewed his call for families to have more children, labeling birth control a 'betrayal' and the country's declining birthrate a 'disaster.' Throughout his 23-year political career, Erdogan has promoted traditional family roles and urged couples to have at least three, preferably four or five, children. He argues that a higher birthrate will make Turkey stronger in the future. However, Turkey’s fertility rate has dropped well below the replacement level of 2.1, reaching a record low of 1.48 in 2024.

Demographers attribute the decline to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and women’s access to higher education, as well as economic hardship caused by inflation and low wages. Despite government incentives such as extended parental leave, cash bonuses, and interest-free marriage loans, many families say the support is insufficient amid rising living costs. Parents interviewed described struggling to afford housing, childcare, and basic needs.

Analysts note that Erdogan’s push reflects both economic and conservative Islamic motivations. Experts doubt the new incentives will reverse the trend, as younger Turks increasingly prioritize education, careers, and smaller families. The government has declared 2025 the “Year of the Family” and launched a decade-long population initiative through 2035.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Israel is undermining the shared values of humanity. Speaking on May 15, 2026, he said that ongoing regional conflicts and crises have become major obstacles to global security, economic prosperity, and stability.

Erdogan highlighted that geopolitical rivalries, disruptions in energy security, and resulting financial instability have created new asymmetric risks that are testing the global system. He pointed out that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has exposed the weaknesses of the existing international order.

He emphasized that establishing a fair, inclusive, and stable international system requires strong bilateral, regional, and global cooperation. His remarks were reported by TRT World, reflecting Turkey’s continued focus on global justice and multilateral engagement.

More than 30 ships and vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, arrived at Turkey’s Marmaris coast after a 24-day sea journey. Videos shared on social media Saturday evening showed the ships anchored in open waters as Turkish officials and human rights activists welcomed the fleet. Activist Alex Colston said on social media platform X that Turkey’s coast guard and local Global Sumud Fleet members went out to greet the convoy.

According to activists, the flotilla made stopovers in Sicily, Italy, and Crete, Greece, during its voyage. Israeli forces reportedly detained 22 vessels and two senior activists along the route, though the two detained activists were later returned from Israel. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that while in Marmaris, the ships will undergo technical maintenance, safety checks, and resupply operations.

The organization added that details of the next stages of the Gaza-bound humanitarian mission will be announced in the coming days.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Europe will remain incomplete and weak in facing crises if Turkey is not given its rightful place within the European framework. He made the remarks on Saturday in a message marking Europe Day. Erdogan described the Schuman Declaration as not only a symbol of the European Union but also a reflection of the continent’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.

He noted that the founding principles of the European Union, established 76 years ago, are being tested by wars, political instability, and economic challenges. Erdogan emphasized that these global crises have compelled the EU to adopt more inclusive and unified policies, with Turkey remaining an indispensable and undeniable part of this process as a candidate country.

Reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to advancing relations with the EU on the basis of equality and mutual promises, Erdogan expressed hope that the bloc would show the same sincerity. He added that Europe needs Turkey more than Turkey needs Europe and extended his best wishes to the people of Europe and Turkey on Europe Day.

Turkey has unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile, named 'Yildirimhan', during the International Saha Expo in Istanbul, which began on May 5 and runs until May 9. The missile, developed by the country's Defense Ministry’s research and development center, features the monogram of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and the emblem of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Defense Minister Yasar Güler stated that it is Turkey’s first liquid-fueled missile with hypersonic characteristics and the longest-range missile produced domestically.

According to a chart displayed beside the missile, Yildirimhan has a maximum range of 6,000 kilometers, is powered by four rocket engines, and can travel at speeds 25 times faster than sound using liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel. The unveiling follows Turkey’s recent advances in missile and drone technology, including the Typhoon Block Four ballistic missile introduced last year.

Turkey has signed multiple international agreements restricting the production and export of long-range ballistic missiles. Experts note that some countries may understate missile ranges to avoid sanctions, as seen in recent uses of medium-range missiles by Russia and Iran.

Turkey publicly unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile, named Ildirımhan, during the International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition held in Istanbul in 2026. The missile was developed by the Research and Development Center of Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense. With a range of 6,000 kilometers and speeds between Mach 9 and Mach 25, the system significantly enhances the country’s long-range strike capability.

The Ildirımhan missile uses liquid nitrogen tetroxide as fuel and is powered by four rocket engines. Officials described it as one of the most advanced missiles ever produced in Turkey. The unveiling took place at the 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition, where leading Turkish defense companies and government institutions showcased new technologies across various sectors.

The event highlighted Turkey’s growing focus on indigenous defense technology development and its ambition to expand its strategic capabilities through advanced missile systems.

Turkey has developed three new kamikaze drones—K2, Sivrisinek, and Mizrak—through defense manufacturer Baykar, aiming to rival Iran’s Shahed series. The drones vary in range and payload capacity, with the K2 capable of carrying 200 kilograms of explosives over 2,000 kilometers, while Sivrisinek and Mizrak offer shorter ranges and lighter payloads. The Sivrisinek, unveiled last week, can fly up to 1,000 kilometers with a 20-kilogram warhead, and Mizrak, introduced Thursday, carries 40 kilograms over a similar distance. All three drones can operate without satellite navigation and are designed for coordinated swarm attacks.

The development comes as Turkey and Israel face rising tensions and as Iran’s drone program gains prominence through its use of Shahed drones in conflicts involving the United States and Israel. Turkish experts argue that Iran’s UAVs lack advanced artificial intelligence, precision targeting, and self-defense capabilities, areas where Turkish systems reportedly excel.

Baykar plans to integrate the three drones into a unified strike system, signaling Turkey’s growing ambition in autonomous aerial warfare technology.

Bangladeshi International Master Mohammad Fahad Rahman narrowly missed earning a norm at the Fubi Academy Grandmasters Chess Tournament held in Istanbul, Turkey. The event concluded with Fahad losing to Hungarian Grandmaster Aszel Gargely in the final round, which cost him the required points for the norm. He finished as runner-up with six points from nine games, adding eleven rating points to his record.

Fahad had previously achieved his first norm in 2024 and was aiming for his second in this tournament. He started strongly with three consecutive wins but drew against Iranian Grandmaster Arian Gholami in the fourth round and lost to Turkish FIDE Master Denis Dirikolur in the fifth. Despite recovering with 2.5 points in the next three rounds, he needed a win in the ninth round to secure the norm, which he could not achieve.

The result leaves Fahad disappointed but with improved performance metrics and a higher international rating, strengthening his prospects for future tournaments.