Report: "Geopolitical Constraints of Turkey's Energy Hub Ambitions" by Mustafa Enes Esen, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
Turkey aims to become a regional natural gas hub by leveraging its strategic location between gas producers and European markets. Yet, it does not meet the key criteria for a functioning energy hub: inadequate domestic production of natural gas, heavy dependency on politically fragile or sanctioned suppliers, and insufficient pipeline capacity and gas storage.
In 2024, domestic production covered just 4 percent of national consumption. It imported 52 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas—mostly from Russia (42%), Azerbaijan (22%), and Iran (14%). Turkey's underground gas storage capacity remains low, averaging less than 5 bcm throughout the year. Its westward export capacity to European Union (EU) markets through Greece and Bulgaria is limited and cannot support large-scale transit or redistribution.
Turkey's own energy demand continues to grow steadily, driven by industrial expansion, power generation, and projected increases in vehicle use, leaving limited surplus capacity for re-export. According to a forthcoming report by the Institute for Diplomacy and Economy (InstituDE), the country’s overall energy demand could double by 2050, placing additional strain on an already import-dependent system.
For now, Turkey's energy hub project remains more of a political narrative than a commercial reality. A more realistic path lies in improving domestic energy resilience: diversifying supply sources, expanding LNG capacity, and increasing storage.
"Should the US Let Turkey Back Into the F-35 Program?" by Deniz Karakullukcu, The National Interest
Removing Turkey from the F-35 program has increased unit costs and created a strategic gap along NATO's southern flank. Re-admitting Ankara would restore a proven supply chain and markedly strengthen allied air power from the Black Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Recommissioning Turkish plants, modernized by a booming drone sector and the homegrown Kaan fighter, could relieve pressure more quickly than building capacity elsewhere.
Turkey's factories, pilots, and geography could make the F-35 more affordable and NATO stronger. Reintegrating Turkey risks S-400 tensions, but exclusion has incurred significant upfront costs and billions in added aircraft expenses, weakening Alliance ties.
With US troop drawdowns in Syria opening new dialogue, Washington could greatly benefit from restoring its partnership with a key NATO ally.
"Turkey's Brics membership hopes are dashed for now" by Ragip Soylu, Middle East Eye
Although no Turkish officials would say so publicly, sources familiar with the issue told Middle East Eye that China and India had reservations about Turkey's membership last year, effectively blocking Ankara's path to full Brics membership.
"Turkey is Nato," a Brazilian diplomat told MEE in December. "Several countries have concerns about how that would work with the bloc." The diplomat said India was the chief opponent of Turkey's participation.
Matters deteriorated further this year. The issue came to a complete standstill after the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir was reignited by an attack in April that killed 27 Indian tourists. As India blamed Pakistan and launched a military response, Turkey soon found itself drawn into the conflict.
The Indian military linked Turkey to Pakistan during the latest escalation over Kashmir, dashing any hopes that India might support Ankara's bid to join Brics.
PKK Fighters Lay Down Arms in Iraq as Erdogan Declares "Victory for Turkey"
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with MHP Chairman Devlet Bahceli at the Presidential Complex on July 10, just one day before the PKK's symbolic disarmament ceremony.
Thirty members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) destroyed their weapons in a symbolic ceremony held on July 11 near the ancient cave of Jasana in Iraqi Kurdistan, marking a major step in the group's disarmament process.
Dressed in khaki fatigues with their faces uncovered, the group—composed of both men and women—stood on a stage before an audience of officials, lawmakers, journalists, and representatives from various factions. One by one, the fighters descended to place their weapons into a pit, which was later set on fire.
Present at the event were envoys representing Nechirvan Barzani, president of Iraq's Kurdistan region, and veteran Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani. Also in attendance were Turkish intelligence officials, lawmakers from Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM Party, and members of the press.
"We voluntarily destroy our weapons as a step of goodwill," said a statement read by PKK Executive Council Co-Chair Bese Hozat. A PKK commander stated that the fighters would return to the mountains following the ceremony.
In an interview with Agence France-Presse the same day, Hozat said PKK members are prepared to return to Turkey and engage in democratic politics, on the condition that legal guarantees are provided and imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan is released. She also said upcoming phases should include mechanisms for reintegration, broader reforms, and pathways to ensure justice and stability.
MHP leader Bahceli issued a written statement following the recent disarmament of a group of PKK militants, noting that the group's founding leadership had fulfilled its promises. "Indeed, as can be seen from his latest video message, the PKK's founding leadership kept its word, stood by its commitments, and foresaw global and regional threats in a timely manner," Bahceli said.
"Turkey has won. Eighty-six million citizens have won," Erdogan said in a televised statement on July 12. "We know what we are doing. Nobody needs to worry or ask questions. We are doing all this for Turkey, for our future."
"As a first step, we will establish a parliamentary commission and begin discussing the legal requirements of the process within the parliamentary framework. Together with the AK Party, the Nationalist Movement Party, and the People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), we will carry this process into the future."
Commenting on Erdogan's words, DEM Party Imrali Delegation member Pervin Buldan said, "Let's not be misled. This alliance is a process-based alliance. It should definitely not be perceived as just another political alliance. Everyone's stance and path are clear."
PKK Leader Ocalan Appears in First Video Since 1999 Ahead of Disarmament Process
PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan appeared in a video message released ahead of the group's expected disarmament process set to begin on July 11. The video, published by the PKK-affiliated Firat News Agency, marks Ocalan's first public footage since 1999.
In the message, Ocalan said, "I continue to defend the Call for Peace and a Democratic Society dated February 27, 2025." He described the current stage of the process as "quite valuable and historic," calling it a gain rather than a loss.
Ocalan also stated that the PKK has ended its movement, which was based on "denial of existence and the pursuit of a separate state."
DEM Party Meets Erdogan to Discuss PKK Disarmament Process
Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM Party announced that a delegation met with President Erdogan on July 7 to discuss the ongoing PKK's disarmament process and to share recommendations for the next steps.
The meeting, which took place at the presidential complex in Ankara, lasted about an hour. In a statement afterwards, DEM said that "the mutual will to move the process along" was emphasized during the talks with Erdogan.
There was no immediate comment from the Turkish presidency.
Turkey Denies Negligence After 12 Soldiers Die from Gas Exposure in Iraq Cave Operation
Turkey's Defense Ministry has rejected allegations of negligence following the deaths of 12 Turkish soldiers from gas exposure during a cave operation in northern Iraq. The soldiers were searching for the remains of infantry Lt. Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was killed in 2022 during Operation Claw-Lock against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), when the incident occurred inside a cave in the Metina region.
In a statement released on July 10, the ministry firmly denied claims that the soldiers entered the cave without protective equipment, or that a collapse, booby trap, or chemical weapons played a role. It also dismissed speculation that shrapnel was responsible for any of the deaths or injuries.
"The incident was exceptional, unforeseeable, and occurred under extraordinary circumstances," the ministry said. It added that updated safety protocols would be introduced and all operational procedures reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Erdogan Replaces Communications Chief Altun Amid Leak Allegations
President Erdogan removed longtime communications director Fahrettin Altun, reassigning him to head the country's Human Rights and Equality Institution. The change was officially announced in the Official Gazette early on July 10.
Journalist Serdar Akinan, who reported the move before it was made public, cited anonymous sources claiming Altun was behind the leak of security footage showing a PKK attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters in October 2024. Akinan alleged the leak aimed to undermine the intelligence services and damage the reputation of National Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin.
According to Akinan, Kalin documented the incident and presented the findings to Erdogan, which ultimately led to Altun's reassignment.
CHP Leader Accuses Erdogan of Protecting AK Party Figures from Corruption Charges
Turkey's main opposition leader, CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel, accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 9 at a rally in Istanbul of shielding ruling party figures from corruption charges, as his own party faces an intensifying crackdown over alleged graft in CHP-run municipalities.
"I can't tolerate a baklava box, but you have a history of shoeboxes," Ozel said, referencing a recent raid where police claimed to find 110,000 euros hidden in a baklava box at a CHP-controlled municipality.
"You defended the thieves, refused to send them to the supreme court, and disgraced this state," he added, recalling the 2013 corruption probes in which large sums of cash were allegedly discovered in shoeboxes at the home of a bank executive tied to government figures.
Ozel also pointed to a wiretapped phone call that surfaced in the wake of the 2013 raids, allegedly featuring Erdogan instructing his son Bilal Erdogan to "zero the money." "We haven't forgotten the man who scolded his son for failing to zero the money," Ozel told supporters at the rally.
Bahceli Slams CHP Over Corruption, Backs Live Broadcast of Hearings
Speaking at his party's parliamentary group meeting on July 8, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahceli accused the CHP of deep-rooted corruption. "The fact that municipalities under CHP control are mired in corruption and bribery, and that a gang-like mentality is violating the blessings of democracy and the nation's trust, has practically turned this party into an organized crime network," he said.
Despite his criticism, Bahceli supported CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel's proposal to broadcast court hearings live on the state-owned TRT. "We hope this expectation will be considered reasonable and legitimate," he added.
When asked about Bahceli's remarks, President Erdogan expressed support, saying, "If Mr. Bahceli made such a statement, I believe it reflects a very sound judgment."
Referencing Erdogan's remarks, Ozel called for complete transparency in the ongoing legal proceedings, saying: "We want TRT to broadcast the hearings live from beginning to end, in full, including every word from our colleagues. TRT should also allocate frequency to any television channel that wants to broadcast the hearings live so that the public can watch the process fully, completely, and transparently."
Adana Mayor Karalar Arrested in July 5th Operation Targeting CHP Municipalities
Thirteen individuals, including Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar and Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere, detained in a police operation on the morning of July 5, were brought to court on July 8.
After giving their statements to the prosecutor, Tutdere was referred for judicial control, while Karalar was referred for arrest. The court placed Tutdere under house arrest.
In his court testimony, Karalar said, "I believe this operation is a political one. I do not accept the charges and demand my release." Despite his defense, the court ordered his arrest.
Also on July 8, Buyukcekmece Deputy Mayor Ahmet Sahin and his driver Sonkan Turan, who were detained in the same operation, were arrested. Sahin had recently assumed the role of deputy mayor following the arrest of Buyukcekmece Mayor Hasan Akgun.
CHP Provincial Chair Celik Testifies Over Alleged Fraud in 2023 Istanbul Election
CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Ozgur Celik was summoned to give a statement on July 8 as part of an investigation into the 2023 CHP Istanbul Provincial Election. According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, police were instructed to take Celik's testimony regarding "allegations of fraud in the CHP Istanbul Provincial Election for personal gain."
Celik later appeared at the police station and gave his statement. Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said, "The aim is to discredit the CHP and silence society."
Turkey Hikes Taxes on Lira Deposits and Funds to Tackle Soaring Budget Deficit
Turkey has increased withholding taxes on lira-denominated deposits and mutual fund earnings in an effort to boost revenue and narrow its widening budget deficit, Bloomberg reported.
According to a presidential decree published on July 8, the tax on deposits with maturities of up to six months has been raised from 15% to 17.5%. For deposits up to one year, the rate increased from 12% to 15%. Mutual fund earnings—excluding equity-heavy and long-term real estate or venture capital funds—will now be taxed at 17.5%, up from 15%.
The move comes as Turkey's budget deficit reached 650 billion lira ($16 billion) in the first five months of 2025, a 38% increase from the same period last year. Government spending increased by 44%, primarily due to rising interest payments. The government is targeting a full-year deficit of 1.93 trillion lira, aiming for a shortfall of 3.1% of GDP under its medium-term economic program.
Turkey's Central Bank Reserves Rise Nearly $10 Billion in One Week
As of July 4, the Central Bank's gross foreign exchange reserves increased by $8.691 billion, rising from $71.09 billion to $ 79.80 billion. Meanwhile, gold reserves grew by $1.295 billion, climbing from $83.316 billion to $84.611 billion.
As a result, total reserves rose by $9.986 billion in a single week, reaching $164.397 billion—up from $154.411 billion.
Turkey's Foreign Trade Deficit Hits $4.8 Billion in May
Turkey recorded a trade deficit of $4.804 billion in May 2025, according to balance of payments data released by the Central Bank (CBRT).
The current account deficit for the month stood at $684 million, while the current account excluding gold and energy posted a surplus of $4.068 billion, highlighting strong performance in non-energy sectors.
Annualized figures showed a foreign trade deficit of $61 billion as of May, with the current account deficit totaling approximately $16 billion.
Turkey Fines Google $8.9 Million for Failing to Meet Compliance Requirements
The Turkish Competition Authority announced on July 10 that it has imposed an administrative fine of approximately 355 million lira ($8.87 million) on Google for failing to meet regulatory obligations.
In its statement, the authority said Google had implemented design changes that violated competition rules during the compliance phase of a previous investigation, prompting the penalty.
Turkey Fines OPET 131 Million Lira for Contract Abuse
Turkey's Competition Authority has imposed an administrative fine of TL 131 million ($3.2 million) on the OPET gas station chain for abusing its dealership contracts, which were deemed to have indirectly extended the duration of the dealership contracts.
The company applied for a settlement during the investigation, which was accepted, resulting in an administrative fine of approximately 131 million Turkish lira.
ECtHR Rules Again Turkey Violated Rights of Kurdish Politician Demirtas
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled on July 8 that Turkey violated multiple articles of the European Convention on Human Rights by keeping Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas in prolonged pretrial detention over his alleged involvement in the 2014 protests in southeastern Turkey.
Although the ECtHR had previously ordered his release in 2019, Turkish authorities re-arrested Demirtas shortly afterwards on reclassified charges related to the same events.
The court found that his pretrial detention from September 2019 until his conviction in May 2024 lasted over four years without sufficient legal grounds. It also criticized Turkey's Constitutional Court for taking more than four years to review his case, calling the delay a breach of the right to a prompt legal review.
The ECtHR ordered Turkey to pay Demirtas €3,245 in pecuniary damages, €32,500 in non-pecuniary damages, and €20,000 for legal expenses.
In a petition submitted to the speaker of the Turkish Parliament on July 9, DEM Party parliamentary group chairs Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit and Sezai Temelli called for a general debate on the enforcement of the latest European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruling and the release of Selahattin Demirtas and other opposition figures convicted in the Kobani trial.
In a related move, on July 11, DEM Party lawyers filed a formal request with the Ankara 22nd High Criminal Court, seeking the release of Demirtas and other party members in light of the ECtHR decision.
Human Rights Court Faults Turkey Over Mass Purges, Unfair Trials, and Delays
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled on July 8 that Turkey violated the rights of 117 individuals who were held in pretrial detention following the 2016 coup attempt, accused of membership in the Gulen movement.
In a unanimous decision, the court found that Turkish authorities failed to present sufficient evidence to justify the detentions, breaching Article 5 § 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The court concluded that Turkish courts had not established a "reasonable suspicion" that the detainees had committed a crime at the time of their arrest.
ECtHR also ruled on July 10 that Turkey violated the right to a fair trial in three separate cases involving mass dismissals following the 2016 coup attempt. The court ordered the Turkish government to pay a total of €8,250 in compensation.
In Yildirim v. Turkey, the court found that a contract public employee had been dismissed solely based on alleged ties to the faith-based Gulen movement, without any individual assessment or concrete evidence.
In Simsek v. Turkey, the applicant was fired from a private company contracted by a district municipality. The ECtHR ruled that Turkish courts had failed to properly examine the key legal issues raised, constituting a violation of the right to a fair trial under Article 6 § 1 of the Convention.
In the third case, Akarsu v. Turkey, the court found that proceedings before Turkey's Constitutional Court had dragged on for more than seven years. It ruled that the delay breached the "reasonable time" requirement, also protected under Article 6 § 1.
25 Detained Across Turkey Over Alleged Ties to Gulen Movement
Turkish police detained 25 individuals on July 8 in coordinated raids across eight provinces, targeting suspects accused of links to the Gulen movement. The operation was carried out under the orders of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Among those taken into custody were 19 former employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who were dismissed by government decree following the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. The detainees also include four current civil servants who are still working at the ministry.
Turkey Blocks Grok AI Content Over Alleged Insults to Erdogan, Ataturk, and Islamic Values
A Turkish court has ordered the blocking of content generated by Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, after authorities claimed it produced responses insulting to President Erdogan, the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and Islamic values.
Turkey has become the first country to censor Grok, after the Ankara 7th Criminal Judgeship of Peace ordered on July 9 the blocking and removal of approximately 50 responses generated by the bot. The ruling was issued under the controversial Article 8/A, citing the "protection of public order."
Following the decision, X confirmed it has begun removing the flagged content, referring to them as "inappropriate posts."
Sozcu TV Taken Off Air for 10 Days While Halk TV Wins Temporary Reprieve
Sozcu TV, a pro-opposition news channel, was taken off the air at midnight on July 9 by order of Turkey's media regulator, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK), following its coverage of mass protests triggered by the March arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
RTUK imposed a 10-day broadcasting ban, affecting both the television channel and its YouTube livestream, which went dark simultaneously at midnight. Executives at Sozcu TV filed an appeal requesting a stay of execution to halt the blackout, but the court rejected the request.
In contrast, a separate court granted a stay of execution on RTUK's 10-day blackout order against another pro-opposition outlet, Halk TV. The court accepted the lawyers' objection, requested documentation from RTUK, and gave 30 days for review. Halk TV will continue broadcasting during that time.
LeMan Editor Aslan Ozdemir Arrested Over Controversial Cartoon
Aslan Ozdemir, managing editor of the Turkish satirical magazine LeMan, was detained at Istanbul Airport on July 11 as part of an ongoing investigation into a controversial cartoon that allegedly depicted the Prophet Muhammad.
Ozdemir, who had been abroad and was the subject of a detention warrant, was taken into custody upon arrival from Marseille on a Turkish Airlines flight.
He was referred to court on July 12 and subsequently arrested.
Manager Ayse Barim Denies Gezi Protest Charges in Court Appearance
The first hearing in the case of Ayse Barim, manager of Turkish television stars, who is being held in connection with allegations that she helped organise the Gezi Park protests, took place on July 7 at the Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court. The courtroom was filled with celebrities and close friends, all showing their support.
During the hearing, Barim delivered a lengthy defence, firmly denying the accusations and insisting that she had never given instructions to anyone during the protests. She requested to be released, citing ongoing health problems.
Her lawyer argued that evidences in her favour had been excluded from the case file.
Despite the defense, the court decided to extend Barim's detention. The next hearing is scheduled for October 1.
Turkey, Pakistan Agree on Off-shore Energy Exploration and Defense Ties
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Defense Minister Yasar Guler visited Pakistan on July 9, where they met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
At a joint press conference following the meeting, Fidan announced that Turkish companies will begin oil and natural gas exploration off the coast of Pakistan, marking the first such initiative for the country. Both sides also expressed a mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in the defense industry.
Fidan and Guler were also received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
U.S. Sanctions 22 Firms, Including Turkish Company, Over Iranian Oil Sales
The U.S. Treasury Department announced on July 9 that it had imposed sanctions on 22 companies based in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey for facilitating the sale of Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Among the sanctioned entities is Turkey-based Pulcular Enerji, which, according to the Treasury's statement, purchased multiple shipments of Iranian oil in 2024 from allocations controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
The statement said Pulcular Enerji coordinated its transactions with IRGC-QF officials and Hizballah-linked oil brokerage Concepto Screen SAL Off-Shore. The payments were made through wire transfers, primarily handled by Hong Kong-based front companies, and via couriered cash.
Bulgaria Investigates 2023 Gas Deal Between Botas and Bulgargaz
The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office announced on July 9 that it had launched an investigation into a 2023 gas agreement between the Turkish state-owned energy company BOTAS and Bulgaria's Bulgargaz. As part of the probe, authorities searched the home of former Energy Minister Rosen Hristov.
The 2023 deal reportedly burdened Bulgargaz with debt, as the company had to pay for unused gas capacity, according to Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov. Bulgargaz has paid approximately 600 million lev ($359 million) to Botas so far under the terms of the agreement.
Hristov, who negotiated and signed the contract, said investigators seized his phone and laptop during the search. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed the investigation is politically motivated.
German Police Raid Turkish Consulate Employee's Home in Cologne
German police raided the home of a female officer working at the Turkish Consulate General in Cologne on the morning of July 9, according to the pro-government daily Sabah.
Authorities reportedly seized her cell phone, computer, and various documents, alleging that she was working on behalf of Turkish intelligence. After searching, officers left the residence.
Both police and prosecutors have declined to comment further, citing an ongoing investigation.
Indian Court Rejects Turkey-Based Celebi's Plea Over Revoked Security Clearance
An Indian court on July 7 rejected a petition by Turkey-based Celebi Aviation challenging a government decision to revoke its security clearance to operate aviation ground services in India, Reuters reported, citing three lawyer sources.
Further details of the court's ruling and proceedings are expected to be made available online in the coming days.
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