ANALYSIS
"Why Turkey Terminated the Pipeline Agreement With Iraq" by Mustafa Enes Esen, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
There are two primary reasons behind Turkey's decision to withdraw from the pipeline agreement with Iraq. First, Ankara aims to increase pressure on Baghdad to reach a negotiated settlement on the arbitration issue. Turkey has not paid the $1.5 billion fine in the first arbitration case and wants Iraq to drop the second case.
It also wants to use the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to transport oil from its Gabar fields, which the current agreement does not allow. Whether the recent cancellation leads to a revised agreement or a prolonged freeze will depend on political decisions in both Ankara and Baghdad. While disagreements persist, both sides have strong incentives to reach a workable arrangement.
"Peace in Turkey must not become a smokescreen for repression", The Economist
This is all good, and outsiders should support it. But they must not allow Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to use peace as a smokescreen for repression.
The CHP came ahead of AK in last year's local elections for the first time in two decades. Unable to bring the party down through the ballot box, Mr Erdogan's government is using the courts to do the job instead. By locking up Mr Imamoglu, Turkey's strongman has removed his most serious challenger from the next presidential elections, whenever they are. He is counting on the outside world's silence, and so far he is succeeding. Shamefully, not a word of criticism has come from America or Britain. The EU has complained, but in a mealy-mouthed way. Germany, which had held up the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey in protest, backtracked this week. Turkey's allies should urge Mr Erdogan to follow through with peace with the Kurds. But they also need to do more to hold him accountable for his autocratic excesses.
"Trump Has Leverage With Syria's Neighbors—Here's How He Should Use It" by Steven A. Cook, Foreign Policy
If Trump puts his fist on the table in a way that prevents Israeli overreach and prevents Turkish adventurism, he will make it possible for Turks, Syrians, Jordanians, Saudis, Emiratis, and others to invest in and trade with Syria. Even if the Trump Plan for Syria is partially successful, it will be good for everyone—including Israelis. No doubt it smacks of a warmed-over economic determinism—which is a fair criticism—but given the many powerful players in Syria with their conflicting interests (Sharaa, Trump, Erdogan, Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani), creating an environment that improves the prospects for the country's reconstruction and redevelopment is the best anyone can hope for.
"The Sahel is pivoting toward Turkey. Here's what that means for Washington" by Jordanna Yochai, Atlantic Council
Another report from Jeune Afrique suggested that SADAT had deployed to Mali and trained the country's military in mid-2024. According to the report, SADAT personnel embedded with elite units loyal to the president and trained them to prevent coups d’état. This has not been verified, but, if accurate, would suggest that Turkey is employing new tools to deepen partnerships and address regimes' desire for security.
There is also a small body of reporting indicating that Turkey is expanding its overt military presence. In February 2025, Military Africa reported that Chad granted Turkey control of a military base in the city of Abéché. If confirmed, this would be Turkey's first base in the Sahel. It would also constitute a new element in defense partnerships that, to this point, have largely been driven by Turkish private industry and Sahel states' demand for military hardware.
POLITICS
Ocalan Meets DEM Delegation, Voices Support for Parliamentary Commission
After meeting with political parties, the DEM Party's Imrali delegation visited Imrali Island on July 25 to hold talks with Abdullah Ocalan. The delegation—comprising Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar, and Ozgur Faik Erol—spoke with Ocalan for approximately three and a half hours.
In a written statement, the DEM Party said Ocalan expressed his expectation that the parliamentary commission, once formed, would make significant contributions to peace and democracy.
Speaker Invites Parties to Join Commission on Kurdish Peace Process
The Speaker of Turkey's Parliament has formally launched the next step in a state-led effort to resolve the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) conflict by asking political parties to submit names for a 51-member parliamentary commission. The commission aims to oversee the transition from armed conflict to legal and political reconciliation.
In letters sent this week, Speaker Numan Kurtulmus called on all parties to designate their delegates by July 31.
The commission will include 21 lawmakers from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), 10 from the Republican People's Party (CHP), four each from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and three each from the nationalist Good Party and the New Path bloc. Smaller parties will each contribute one member.
The Good Party had earlier announced that it would not appoint any members to the commission. Therefore, the commission is expected to comprise a total of 48 members. The party has decided to launch a series of rallies opposing the peace process. It will kick off the campaign with its first rally in Bursa on August 3.
Intelligence Chief Kalin Presents "Terrorism-Free Turkey" Roadmap to Political Leaders
In a bid to garner broader support for the government's peace initiative, Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT), met with leaders across the political spectrum to present the "Terrorism-Free Turkey" roadmap.
Kalin began his talks with Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). He then held closed-door meetings with key figures from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), including Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala and parliamentary group leader Abdullah Guler.
He later met with Tuncer Bakirhan and Tulay Hatimogullari, co-leaders of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party. Kalin continued his consultations with representatives from the nationalist Good Party, the New Path Party, and a coalition of smaller opposition groups, including the Future, DEVA, and Felicity parties.
He concluded his series of meetings by meeting with Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).
Over 200 Convicted of PKK-Related Offenses Released After Top Court Ruling
More than 200 individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses tied to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been released from Turkish prisons following a landmark ruling by the country's Constitutional Court, Sozcu daily reported. The ruling, published in the Official Gazette in January, took effect six months later and triggered the wave of court-ordered releases.
The releases took place over 72 hours and were carried out by high criminal courts in Diyarbakir, a predominantly Kurdish province. The courts based their decisions on a January ruling by the Constitutional Court that struck down Article 220/6 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).
This controversial provision had allowed courts to convict individuals as members of terrorist organizations even if they had no formal ties—so long as they were deemed to have committed crimes "on behalf of" such groups.
CHP Deputy Calls for Erdogan to Face Top Court Over $1.47 Billion Oil Penalty
Deniz Yavuzyilmaz, deputy chair of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has vowed to hold President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accountable before Turkey's Constitutional Court for a $1.47 billion arbitration penalty linked to oil trade with northern Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
In a social media post, Yavuzyilmaz said he obtained documents from an international arbitration case showing that Turkey violated a bilateral pipeline agreement by transporting Kurdish oil to the Ceyhan port without approval from Iraq's central government. He argued that Erdogan's decision to bypass Baghdad and strike a deal with the KRG directly triggered the costly ruling.
Yavuzyilmaz claimed that the fine imposed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal is final and continues to grow with interest.
ECONOMY
Turkey's Central Bank Cuts Interest Rate to 43%
Turkey's central bank lowered its key interest rate by 300 basis points on July 24, bringing it down from 46 percent to 43 percent.
In a statement, the Monetary Policy Committee said it had decided to cut the one-week repo auction rate and emphasized that future decisions would aim to "create the monetary and financial conditions necessary to reach the 5 percent inflation target in the medium term."
The central bank had previously raised the rate to 46 percent in April amid economic pressure following protests over the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, which had triggered a sharp decline in the lira's value against the dollar.
Moody's Upgrades Turkey's Credit Rating Amid Improved Investor Confidence
Moody's has raised Turkey's long-term debt rating by one notch, from B1 to Ba3, while maintaining a stable outlook, the agency announced on July 25. Despite the upgrade, the rating remains in speculative territory.
The decision reflects what Moody's described as "effective economic policies" that have helped rebuild investor confidence and stabilize the Turkish lira.
However, the agency also cautioned that Turkey's limited foreign exchange reserves continue to pose a risk, leaving the country exposed to potential balance-of-payments shocks.
Turkey Secures €2.4 Billion Green Loan for Railway Link to Nakhchivan
Turkey has secured €2.4 billion ($2.8 billion) in green financing for a strategic railway project connecting the country directly to Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
Turkey signed the agreement with a group of lenders led by Japan's MUFG Bank. Sweden's EKN and Austria's OeKB export credit agencies, along with an Islamic Development Bank unit, are backing the financing package.
Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said the deal will boost Turkey's infrastructure, competitiveness, and transport efficiency.
Turkey Adjusts Special Consumption Tax on Cars to Help Narrow Current Account Deficit
Turkey revised its special consumption tax (SCT) rates on certain cars, according to a regulation published in the Official Gazette on July 24. The Finance Ministry said the changes aim to help reduce the country's current account deficit.
Under the new structure, the SCT rates for some vehicle models dropped by 5 to 10 percentage points, while others saw increases of 10 to 20 points.
Combustion engine cars will face SCT rates ranging from 70% to 220%, depending on engine size. Electric vehicles will be subject to a minimum rate of 25%, while hybrid cars will face at least a 45% tax rate.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Turkish Media Watchdog Fines Opposition Media on Press Day
Turkey's media regulator has issued a broadcast suspension and financial penalties against opposition-linked television channels over critical political remarks aired on their programs.
Ilhan Tasci, a member of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), announced on social media that RTUK imposed a five-day broadcasting ban and fined TELE1 5 percent of its previous month's ad revenue. The penalty followed comments by TELE1 editor-in-chief Merdan Yanardag, who described the July 15, 2016 coup attempt as "an Islamist coup" and blamed the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for the events.
RTUK also fined TELE1 and Halk TV three percent of their annual revenue for comments by CHP deputy group chair Ali Mahir Basarir, who criticized an ongoing crackdown on the opposition. The council claimed the remarks insulted individuals and institutions.
The ruling came on July 24, Turkey's Press Day, which marks the end of official press censorship in 1908.
European Court Rules Turkey Violated Rights of 239 Convicted Over Gulen Ties
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled on July 22 that Turkey violated the rights of 239 individuals convicted of terrorism offenses over alleged ties to the Gulen movement. The court found that Turkish authorities improperly used the ByLock messaging app—a key piece of evidence in thousands of such prosecutions—to justify convictions.
The court determined that Turkey breached Article 6 § 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, and Article 7, which states that no one can be punished without a law clearly defining the criminal offense.
While the ECtHR ruled in favor of the applicants, it declined to award financial compensation, saying that recognition of the rights violations was sufficient. The court also rejected their claims for legal costs.
Human rights lawyer Hakan Kaplankaya commented on the ruling, emphasizing that real justice would only be achieved through acquittals in retrials. He noted that compensation should have been awarded, even symbolically, given the litigation expenses.
Kaplankaya added that the ruling confirms how Turkey's trial practices continue to result in systematic violations—similar to those outlined in the court's earlier Yalcinkaya decision.
Authorities Shut Down Furkan Foundation Offices, Kuytul Condemns Move as Political
The Ankara Directorate of Foundations has accused the Furkan Education and Research Association—affiliated with the Furkan Foundation led by outspoken Islamic preacher Alparslan Kuytul—of operating unlicensed social venues in the Sincan, Sentepe, and Ulus districts. As a result, authorities fined the group and ordered the closure of four locations, including its headquarters in Ankara.
Following the closures, members of the group marched to Ankara's Victory Monument in Ulus, where they continued their protest under police surveillance. Speaking at the monument, Kuytul denounced the government's actions as politically driven.
"This decision, justified on the pretense of unauthorized social premises and alleged alcohol consumption, is nothing more than a cover to deceive the public," he said. "Everyone knows there's no possibility of alcohol being consumed at any premises affiliated with the Furkan movement."
FOREIGN POLICY
Turkey Withholds Support for Israel Sanctions Plan Over Maritime Law Concerns
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on July 25 that Turkey chose not to endorse a six-point action plan targeting Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories due to concerns about potential legal implications under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which could affect Turkey's maritime disputes with Greece.
The action plan was proposed at a July 15–16 summit in Bogotá, co-hosted by Colombia and South Africa under the Hague Group framework. While Turkey signed the broader political declaration condemning Israeli actions, it withheld support for specific measures such as restrictions on arms transfers, port access, and public procurement related to the occupation.
Fidan defended the decision by stressing that Ankara remains committed to holding Israel accountable through international legal mechanisms. However, he said the plan contained language linked to UNCLOS — a treaty Turkey has not ratified due to its ongoing maritime disputes in the Aegean Sea — that raised legal concerns.
"After consultations with legal experts and relevant institutions, we concluded that we could accept the general content of the text, provided our reservations were clearly stated," Fidan said.
Turkey Condemns Israeli Vote on West Bank Annexation as "Illegitimate and Provocative"
Turkey on July 23 strongly condemned the Israeli parliament's vote calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, describing it as an "illegitimate and provocative gesture aimed at undermining peace efforts."
The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that the West Bank remains "Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation since 1967" and declared the annexation call "null and void under international law and without any validity."
More than 70 members of the Israeli Knesset supported the non-binding motion, urging the government to officially annex the West Bank to "strengthen the state of Israel and its security." Lawmakers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition backed the vote, along with some members of the opposition.
Syria Requests Military Support from Turkey, Defense Ministry Confirms
Syria's interim government has formally requested military assistance from Turkey to strengthen its defense infrastructure and improve counterterrorism capabilities, Turkish Defense Ministry officials announced on July 23.
At a press briefing in Ankara, ministry sources said Damascus asked for training, advisory support, and technical assistance to boost its ability to combat groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
"We are working in close cooperation with Syria's new government," the ministry stated. "Following an official request, we are moving forward with efforts to provide military training, technical support, and consultancy aimed at reinforcing Syria's defense capacity."
Turkey Warns Against Syrian Fragmentation, Vows Direct Intervention
Turkey would directly intervene to prevent any attempt to divide Syria or allow militant groups to gain autonomy, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told reporters on July 22.
Fidan accused Israel of seeking a fragmented Syria to weaken the country and destabilize the region. He warned that no group should exploit the current chaos to push for autonomy or independence. "This leads nowhere," he said. "We are warning you: no group should engage in acts towards division", calling such efforts a "big strategic catastrophe."
"Many issues can be resolved through diplomacy," he said, "but if you go beyond this and seek fragmentation and destabilization, we will treat it as a threat to our national security and intervene."
Yedioth Ahronoth: Three Assassination Attempts on Syrian Interim President Foiled with Turkish Help
Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has survived three assassination attempts since taking office in January, all reportedly foiled with the help of Turkish intelligence and security forces, according to Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.
The first attempt occurred in March, when Turkish security personnel detected suspicious activity as al-Sharaa was leaving the presidential palace in Damascus. Three of his bodyguards shielded him while the would-be assassin was arrested. Al-Sharaa reportedly ordered the incident to be kept secret to maintain an image of strength.
The second plot took place in Daraa, in southwestern Syria, while al-Sharaa was en route to the governorate. His Syrian and Turkish security teams identified two suspicious individuals and quickly rerouted the convoy to avoid danger.
The third and most serious attempt was again in Damascus. The newspaper described it as "almost fatal," involving an ambush on the route al-Sharaa was scheduled to take.
No group has claimed responsibility, but all three attempts are believed to be the work of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The report also claimed that the United States relies heavily on Turkish intelligence for the protection of al-Sharaa.
Ukraine and Russia Hold Third Round of Peace Talks in Istanbul
Ukraine and Russia met in Istanbul on July 23 for the third round of peace talks aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the meeting by urging both sides to end the "bloody war" as soon as possible, stressing its mounting human and economic cost.
Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said Kyiv proposed holding direct talks between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin by the end of August, with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Erdogan.
Russia's negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, confirmed that both sides had agreed on a new prisoner exchange involving 1,200 captives each. He also said Moscow offered to return the remains of 3,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers and proposed temporary ceasefires to recover dead and wounded troops. "The discussions were lengthy, but the positions remain quite distant," Medinsky told reporters. "But we agreed to continue contacts."
Later that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the return of another group of prisoners of war from Russia, bringing the total number of returning soldiers to over 1,000. He said many of those released were seriously ill or wounded.
Turkey Nears $5.6 Billion Eurofighter Deal After German Approval
Turkey could announce a preliminary deal this week for a multibillion-dollar purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing two people familiar with the negotiations. The potential contract, estimated at around $5.6 billion, would involve up to 40 fighter aircraft, though the final number and configuration are still under negotiation.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, jointly produced by BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo, once saw strong global demand but has been increasingly overshadowed by the U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter. In recent years, its manufacturers have targeted countries that are either unable or unwilling to acquire the F-35.
The deal gained momentum after the German government approved the export of the jets to Turkey, Der Spiegel reported on July 23. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's administration reportedly gave the green light following pressure from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The agreement is expected to support approximately 20,000 jobs in the United Kingdom, where much of the Eurofighter production is based.
Shortly after Germany's decision, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and British Defense Secretary John Healey signed a memorandum of understanding in Istanbul during the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 25). Turkey's Defense Ministry welcomed the agreement, stating that it would enhance Turkey's advanced air combat capabilities and reinforce the "decades-long friendship between key NATO allies."
Turkey to Halt 1973 Pipeline Pact with Iraq, Proposes New Energy Framework
Turkey will terminate the decades-old Turkey-Iraq Crude Oil Pipeline Agreement on July 27, 2026, according to a presidential decision published in the Official Gazette on July 22. The decision ends the 1973 deal and all related protocols and memorandums.
A senior Turkish official told Reuters the current underuse of the pipeline is unfortunate and emphasized Ankara's aim to launch "a new and vibrant phase" that would benefit both countries and the wider region.
Later that day, Turkey submitted a draft proposal to Iraq to renew and expand the existing energy partnership. The proposal includes cooperation in oil, gas, petrochemicals, and electricity, an Iraqi Oil Ministry official said.
"The Ministry of Oil is reviewing the Turkish draft and negotiating terms that serve both nations' interests," the official added.
Greece Unveils Marine Parks in Aegean and Ionian; Turkey Calls Move Politically Motivated
Greece announced on July 21 the boundaries of two new marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas, which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described as the largest in the Mediterranean. Athens emphasized that the parks lie entirely within its territorial waters.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry criticized the move, accusing Greece of using environmental issues to further political goals. Ankara said the parks would not affect existing disputes in the Aegean and Mediterranean and announced plans to introduce its marine protection initiatives soon.
"Unilateral actions should be avoided in closed or semi-enclosed seas such as the Aegean and the Mediterranean," the ministry stated, expressing readiness to cooperate with Greece to resolve outstanding disagreements.
Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis dismissed Turkey's objections as baseless, reaffirming that the parks serve purely ecological purposes. He said that Greece does not recognize any "grey zones" in the area.
Puntland Intercepts Turkish Arms Shipment Bound for Mogadishu
Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region intercepted a cargo ship carrying Turkish military equipment on July 20, escalating tensions with the federal government in Mogadishu, The Maritime Executive reported.
The Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) boarded the Comoros-flagged Sea World in the Gulf of Aden while it was en route to the Port of Mogadishu. Authorities in Puntland, which ceased recognizing the federal government after a constitutional crisis in March 2024, seized the vessel. A video footage released showed military-grade weapons labeled as Turkish equipment.
The shipment allegedly included armored personnel carriers (APCs), mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs), and anti-aircraft guns. The cargo was reportedly destined for a Turkish-run military training facility in Mogadishu.
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