At least sixteen people were killed in two separate road accidents in southern Turkey on Sunday, according to reports from local and international news agencies. The first crash occurred near the city of Antalya when a passenger bus veered off the highway and overturned, killing nine people and injuring at least twenty-five others. Antalya’s provincial governor Hulusi Sahin said seven of the injured were in critical condition. In a separate incident in the Burdur area, seven people were killed and five injured on the Antalya–Isparta route.

Governor Sahin stated that the bus involved in the first accident was carrying thirty-four passengers from Tekirdag to Antalya. He added that the crash site was located on a dangerous curve where speeding was unsafe. Preliminary findings suggested that reckless driving and slippery roads caused by rain might have contributed to the accident. It was not immediately clear whether any foreign nationals were among the passengers.

Antalya and its surrounding coastal areas are known as popular tourist destinations that attract large numbers of foreign visitors each year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey is ready to act as a mediator to reduce escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. He made the statement during a telephone conversation on Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to the Turkish Presidential Directorate of Communications, both leaders discussed the growing military tensions in the region and emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation to maintain stability.

Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to constructive diplomacy and expressed readiness to serve as a bridge between Tehran and Washington. In a statement published on the Iranian president’s official website, Pezeshkian said Iran’s policy is based on dignity-oriented diplomacy within the framework of international law. He stressed that Iran’s approach is grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and a win-win principle, rejecting threats and coercion.

Pezeshkian added that mutual trust is essential for launching an effective diplomatic process and that all parties must demonstrate goodwill and halt warlike and threatening activities across the region. In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that a large naval fleet led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was moving toward Iran, warning that Tehran’s time to reach an understanding with Washington was running out.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ankara opposes any form of military intervention against Iran. He expressed hope that the Iranian people would resolve their internal issues peacefully without external interference. Fidan made the remarks during a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday, according to TRT World.

During the same event, Araghchi said that Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the United States on a fair and equal basis. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic would participate only if the discussions are conducted under equitable conditions. The comments came amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington in recent weeks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a “large armada” is moving toward Iran and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table. Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. attack would be met with a “swift and extensive” response.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the establishment of a regional security framework in the Middle East built on mutual trust rather than rivalry. In an interview broadcast on Thursday by Al Jazeera, Fidan said lasting stability can only be achieved through inclusive regional cooperation, not through the dominance of any single power.

Fidan identified a lack of trust among Gulf states as the main obstacle to effective security collaboration. Drawing a comparison with the European Union, he argued that Middle Eastern countries could also unite responsibly to ensure regional stability. Responding to a question about the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defense agreement and Turkey’s potential involvement, he emphasized that any such arrangement should be more inclusive and free from Turkish, Arab, Persian, or any other form of dominance.

On Syria, Fidan stated that Turkey is doing its utmost to facilitate the ceasefire process in the war-torn country.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that any potential US attack on Iran would be a major mistake. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday, he called on both Washington and Tehran to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than military action. His remarks come amid reports of increased US military presence in the Middle East.

Fidan emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation at a time of heightened tension. He stated that starting another war would be wrong and stressed that there is still an opportunity for a diplomatic solution between the two countries. According to him, Iran remains ready to resume discussions on its nuclear program.

The Turkish minister also urged Iran to build trust with its neighboring countries, saying that Tehran must work to foster confidence across the region.

Turkey has stated that Iran’s stability is essential for regional security, according to a statement made during a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The meeting, held in Ankara, also reviewed developments in Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine, as reported by TRT World.

The council discussed recent events in Iran in detail and reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to help rebuild Gaza and establish lasting peace in cooperation with its partners. Ankara reiterated its commitment to continue providing extensive humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The council also reaffirmed strong support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity, pledging to continue efforts for the safety, stability, and prosperity of the Syrian people.

Support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity was also expressed. On Ukraine, Turkey said it would maintain efforts to end the war and achieve lasting peace as soon as possible.

Turkey has announced the start of a large-scale reconstruction and resettlement program in Syria, focusing on residential areas devastated during the years of conflict under the Assad government. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made the announcement in a speech on Tuesday, according to TRT World. He said that cities destroyed by bombings during Bashar al-Assad’s rule would be prioritized for rebuilding.

Erdoğan stated that improvements in Syria’s security and stability would have positive effects across neighboring countries and the wider region. He also welcomed a recent decree by Syria’s new administration that guarantees basic rights for Kurdish citizens who had lost their citizenship during Assad’s regime. The Turkish president called for unity and warned against any attempts to inflame ethnic divisions.

Erdoğan added that Turkey is closely coordinating with Syria’s new government to respond to humanitarian aid requests from Kurdish communities living beyond its borders.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone conversation on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Syria, efforts surrounding the Gaza Peace Board, and a range of regional and global issues, according to TRT World. The two leaders also talked about advancing bilateral relations between their countries.

Erdoğan stated that Turkey would continue taking steps to strengthen cooperation with the United States in all areas for their mutual benefit. He emphasized the importance of fully implementing the ceasefire and unification agreement in neighboring Syria and said Ankara was closely monitoring the process in coordination with the U.S. and Syrian authorities. Erdoğan also expressed hope that the Gaza Peace Board would achieve its objectives, ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and paving the way for lasting peace through reconstruction.

Trump had announced the establishment of the Gaza Peace Board on January 15 as part of his broader plan for the region.

Hamas leaders held a meeting with Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in Istanbul to discuss the next phase following the Gaza ceasefire. The delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, focused on coordination to ease the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people and manage Gaza through a national committee.

Both sides emphasized the importance of opening the Rafah crossing for aid delivery and reaffirmed strong policies to support Palestinians in the occupied territories. During the meeting, the Hamas delegation expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his mediation and guarantor role in efforts to ensure peace in Gaza.

The delegation also thanked Ankara for its increasingly significant role in the second phase of the post-ceasefire plan, highlighting Turkey’s continued involvement in regional stabilization efforts.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that U.S. President Donald Trump is the only leader capable of forcing Israel to stop its offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip. In an interview with journalist Hadley Gamble on the program 'On the Record,' Fidan argued that if President Trump uses Washington’s influence, it would be effective in ending the conflict. He also noted that Israel has violated ceasefire agreements multiple times.

Fidan emphasized that Turkey believes Trump is the only person who can exert real pressure on Israel. When asked about the possibility of Turkey sending troops to Gaza, he referred to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s earlier remarks, saying Ankara is ready to do everything within its capacity to advance a peace plan.

He added that Turkey is willing to participate in an international stabilization force in Gaza, but any troop deployment would depend on broader international consensus.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that Ankara is prepared to send troops to Gaza if conditions become favorable. In an interview with a Turkish television channel on Friday, he stated that while Ankara opposes taking a direct role in Gaza, its efforts regarding the situation will continue. The statement was reported by TRT World.

Fidan described Gaza as Turkey’s top priority and expressed willingness to provide military assistance if the situation allows. He also mentioned that the Rafah border crossing could reopen early next week. The report noted that displaced Palestinians are enduring harsh winter conditions in tents.

When asked about the possible disarmament of Hamas, Fidan said the issue must be part of any broader roadmap. He emphasized that Ankara’s highest priority is ensuring that Gaza’s residents can remain on their land.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel is looking for an opportunity to attack Iran, warning that such an action could further destabilize the region. He made the remarks in a television interview on Friday, emphasizing that he hopes Israel will choose a different path. Fidan clarified that his observation applies specifically to Israel, not necessarily to the United States.

Fidan added that during his recent visit to Iran, he directly conveyed these concerns to Iranian officials, describing his approach as that of a true friend who speaks hard truths. His comments followed a phone call on Thursday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s opposition to any foreign intervention in Iran and its commitment to the neighbor’s peace and stability.

On Friday, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would consider any attack by its enemies as a declaration of total war against Iran.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the newly formed Gaza Peace Board as a historic opportunity to resolve the long-standing suffering of Palestinians and establish lasting peace. In a social media post on Thursday, he said the board would help meet Gaza’s humanitarian needs and lay the foundation for an inclusive and sustainable peace. Fidan emphasized that working alongside the people of Gaza could play a strong role in shaping the valley’s future and ensuring enduring stability.

Reaffirming Turkey’s position on Palestine, Fidan stated that a future is possible where the rights of Gaza’s people are protected and they can live in peace. The White House recently announced the creation of the Peace Board along with a national committee to oversee Gaza’s interim administration. The initiative, proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, was adopted by the United Nations Security Council last November.

The Turkish minister’s remarks highlight Ankara’s continued engagement in regional peace efforts and its support for international mechanisms aimed at stabilizing Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara will continue to work in coordination with the United States to establish peace in Gaza. He expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for inviting Turkey to join the newly formed 'peace board' for Gaza, according to TRT World.

Earlier, Trump stated that he had a 'very important' phone conversation with Erdogan and expressed his admiration for the Turkish leader. Last Friday, the White House announced the creation of a 'peace board' to help permanently end Israel’s killings in Gaza and to implement Trump’s 20-point plan for rebuilding the war-torn enclave.

As part of the broader plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, a national committee has also been established to oversee governance in Gaza. Trump invited Erdogan and other heads of state and government to join the peace board.

A nearly 900-year-old madrasa has been discovered in the central Turkish city of Kayseri during ongoing urban renewal work. The structure was found south of the city’s historic Grand Mosque, near the tomb of Malik Muhammad Ghazi. The finding was reported on Thursday by the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Kayseri Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç said the city holds traces of various civilizations and has a significant place in the history of Islam in Anatolia.

According to the mayor, the discovery was made while carefully clearing the area, revealing traces of a religious educational structure built in the traditional style. Malik Muhammad Ghazi, a ruler from the Danishmend dynasty, is regarded as the founder of Kayseri and an important figure in early Turkish Islamic history in Anatolia.

Mayor Büyükkılıç added that the search and excavation work will continue and that the municipality plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for restoration efforts.