Istanbul, Turkey — Intense unrest has erupted in Istanbul following allegations that a satirical magazine published a cartoon depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The controversy has sparked widespread protests and condemnation across the city.

Turkish authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the editor-in-chief of the satirical magazine Le Man on charges of religious defamation. Additionally, four cartoonists associated with the publication have been detained. The incident has drawn strong criticism from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who described the act as a “vile provocation.”

The magazine’s office was attacked, and protests took place in front of their premises. Police responded by deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to bring the situation under control.

In response to the backlash, the editor claimed that the controversial cartoon did not depict Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but rather used the name of a Palestinian child in the image. He emphasized that the cartoon was not intended as religious defamation.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is set to formally begin its disarmament process in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, in early July, marking the end of nearly four decades of armed conflict.
Between July 3 and 10, 20 to 30 PKK fighters are expected to surrender their weapons. Sezai Temelli, Vice President of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, stated that this initiative signals a willingness to engage in reconciliation with Ankara. A meeting between DEM Party representatives and President Erdoğan is also anticipated next week.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of deliberately launching strikes on Iran to sabotage upcoming nuclear negotiations with the United States. He said, “The Netanyahu government is proving to be the biggest obstacle to peace in the region.” Erdogan described the attacks as “outright banditry” and warned that Israel is trying to destabilize the Middle East.

On the ninth day of Israeli airstrikes in Iran, the Arab League convened an emergency meeting in Istanbul. In a joint statement, the League condemned the Israeli strikes as a "blatant violation of the sovereignty of a UN member state" and a grave threat to regional peace and security. The statement urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action to de-escalate tensions, warning of greater instability otherwise. The League also called for renewed diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program, an end to genocide in Gaza, and a halt to illegal settlements in the West Bank in favor of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

According to Reuters, Turkey is intensifying efforts to develop an integrated air and missile defense system using domestically produced radar and weapons technologies. The initiative aims to boost preparedness for potential military conflicts. During recent Israeli strikes on Iran, Turkey reportedly launched quick reaction alert aircraft and maintained aerial patrols along its borders despite no irregular migration flow from Iran, indicating heightened vigilance.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Iran has the right to defend itself against what he described as “Israeli state terrorism and thuggery.”

Calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” and the “greatest threat to regional security,” Erdoğan compared his actions in Gaza to those of Adolf Hitler. “Netanyahu’s crimes in Gaza surpass even the horrors of the Nazis,” the Turkish leader declared.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have expressed willingness to mediate the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia's offer to mediate remains on the table, despite the situation becoming increasingly complex. Erdoğan also spoke with Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, offering Turkey’s support as a mediator to help de-escalate tensions.

In a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the recent Israeli attacks on Iran prove that Israel under Netanyahu is the greatest threat to regional stability.

He emphasized that Israel must be restrained to de-escalate tensions and insisted that the nuclear crisis can only be resolved through dialogue. Erdoğan warned of a potential new wave of migration if the conflict escalates. In a separate call with Iran’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian, Erdoğan claimed Netanyahu’s goal is to ignite the region and derail nuclear talks.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel’s recent actions, saying they prove that Israel has no intention of resolving conflicts through diplomatic means. Ankara warned that such aggression could drag Israel into a wider conflict.

Calling for an immediate halt to the attacks, Turkey labeled the actions as provocative violations of international law. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also issued a strong condemnation, stating, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the blatant Israeli aggression against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermines its sovereignty and security.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that Turkey will manufacture and export 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia as part of a newly signed defense agreement between the two nations. Erdoğan added that Indonesia’s own technological expertise will be integrated into the production of the fifth-generation KAAN jets, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries. “This deal reflects the progress and success of our national defense industry. It will benefit both Turkey and Indonesia,” he stated.

Turkey has strongly condemned Israel, calling it a “terrorist state,” after the Israeli military intercepted the Madeline, a humanitarian ship bound for Gaza, in international waters. The vessel, carrying 12 activists including two Turkish nationals, was blocked from reaching the besieged enclave. Ankara accused Israel of violating international law and endangering maritime freedom. This incident echoes the 2010 flotilla raid where 10 Turkish citizens were killed. Turkey warned that the latest seizure further threatens regional stability and highlights Israel's disregard for global maritime norms.

After four decades of armed insurgency for an independent Kurdish state, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has officially declared its dissolution. In a statement, the PKK announced an end to all military operations, saying, “It is time to redefine Turkish-Kurdish relations. From now on, Kurdish political parties will take responsibility for establishing democracy and forming a democratic Kurdish nation. The PKK has completed its historic mission.” The move marks the end of a bloody conflict that claimed over 40,000 lives. PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, imprisoned for life in Turkey since 1999, remains a central figure in the Kurdish nationalist movement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed deep concern over the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following recent military strikes. Speaking on Wednesday, he condemned any provocative attacks targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure. He emphasized the urgency of de-escalation and expressed support for Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Fidan also held a phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during which he warned that the attacks, which appeared to deliberately target civilians, have dangerously pushed the region closer to full-scale war.

Turkish forces have launched electronic countermeasures and jamming operations to intercept Israeli aircraft entering Syrian airspace. The move follows a series of Israeli air raids across Syria, allegedly conducted to protect the Druze community. Days earlier, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry had warned Israel to cease its airstrikes, stating that such actions undermine Syrian sovereignty and regional stability.

A Swedish court has sentenced journalist Joakim Medin to 11 months in prison for allegedly insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Medin, a reporter for Dagens ETC, was arrested on March 27 at Istanbul Airport during widespread protests. He is accused of participating in a January 2023 protest in Stockholm, where a puppet of Erdoğan was symbolically hanged. The puppet was also seen later at the Stockholm Pride Parade with a Kurdish group’s float. While Medin has denied the charges, the court has conditionally released him pending trial on another related offense.