"Turkey's strongman is becoming Donald Trump's point man", The Economist
Courtesy of Mr Trump and his associates, Turkey’s relations with America, having plumbed new depths over much of the past decade, are undergoing a remarkable reboot. The American president’s attempts to impose a peace deal on Ukraine, and his decision to bring Russia’s dictator Vladimir Putin back in from the cold, have vindicated Turkey, Russia’s most trusted partner in NATO, and offered Mr Erdogan a chance to host ceasefire talks. Turkish and American officials suggest a solution to the stand-off over the F-35s is only a matter of time. Mr Trump has already done the Turkish leader a favour by ignoring his autocratic excesses. And he has turned to Mr Erdogan to create a back-channel to Iran. In mid-June, as Israeli missiles pounded Iran, Mr Trump was reportedly prepared to send a delegation of senior officials to Istanbul for talks with the Iranians.
"Ranking the Strongmen" by Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Policy
Men in power are often animated by the desire to retain and consolidate their power—but not always by that alone. Sometimes, personal aggrandizement goes hand in hand with a sense of personal destiny that embraces a world larger than oneself. Consider in this regard Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, India's Narendra Modi, and Russia's Vladimir Putin. All three populist strongmen have been ruthless in their exercise of power and in their suppression of any threats to its perpetuation. At the same time, each is also propelled by the wish to make his country a more powerful and respected voice in global affairs. Whether they have, or can, is another matter. (I myself think not.) But that they have this ambition is indisputable. Erdogan, Modi, and Putin each believe that their once great countries lost their way due to external pressure and internal decay and that history has sent them to redeem their homelands and restore them to their past glories.
"Turkey and Israel risk sliding towards confrontation" by Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, Financial Times
The conflict is both ideological and geopolitical. Erdoğan's government has fused Sunni Islamist populism with Turkish nationalism, epitomised by his "Century of Turkey" platform promising to usher in an era of Turkish power abroad. In Israel, a far-right coalition holds an equally deterministic view of Israel's destiny, pursuing military dominance across Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria. These competing world views leave little room for compromise.
For decades, US policymakers treated Turkey and Israel as indispensable — if difficult — allies and pillars of regional stability. Now those two pillars are pressing directly against one another. With Iran weakened, Washington and its allies must recognise that the Middle East's next test may come from rivalry between two of their closest partners.
DEM Party Delegation Meets Ocalan on Imrali Island Ahead of Erdogan Talks
The DEM Party's Imrali delegation met with outlawed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island on July 6. The meeting lasted 2.5 hours and included delegation members Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar, and Ozgur Faik Erol.
In a written statement following the meeting, the party described the talks as productive. Ocalan reportedly stressed the importance of the party's upcoming meeting with President Erdogan and highlighted that the commission to be formed in Parliament would play a key role in advancing the peace and resolution process.
Buldan and Sancar are set to meet with President Erdogan on July 7.
PKK to Begin Symbolic Disarmament in Northern Iraq as Part of Peace Effort
The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced on July 3 that its militants in northern Iraq will begin handing over their weapons, marking the first concrete step toward disarmament in an ongoing peace process.
In a statement, the PKK said, "A group of militants will come down from the mountains and bid farewell to their arms in a show of goodwill for peace and democratic politics." The disarmament ceremony is expected to take place between July 10 and July 12 in the city of Sulaymaniyah, located in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
PKK spokesperson Zagros Hiwa said the militants will destroy their weapons "under the supervision of civil society institutions and interested parties." He noted that the number of militants expected to participate has not yet been finalized but could range from 20 to 30.
An Iraqi Kurdish official added that an agreement was reached to carry out a "symbolic destruction of some light weapons, to reassure the Turks," with representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government attending the ceremony.
Speaking to reporters on his return from an economic summit in Azerbaijan on July 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "The peace process will gain a little more speed when the terrorist organization starts to implement its decision to lay down arms."
Three More CHP Mayors Detained in Expanding Crackdown
Three more mayors from Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) were detained on July 5, widening an ongoing crackdown on the party following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar and Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere were taken into custody under an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Authorities allege they were linked to a bribery network led by businessman Aziz Ihsan Aktas, who was released from pretrial detention last month after cooperating under Turkey's "effective remorse" law.
Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Bocek was detained separately by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on bribery charges. His son was also arrested as part of the same probe.
Additionally, Ahmet Sahin, the deputy mayor of Istanbul's Buyukcekmece district, was detained just 24 days after taking office, following the arrest of his predecessor, CHP's Hasan Akgun.
CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel called an emergency meeting of the party's Central Executive Board in Ankara. After the meeting, which lasted 4,5 hours, Ozel made a statement, saying, "This declaration of war targets not only us, but democratic politics as a whole. It is clear they no longer wish to govern this country with the people's consent. They want to remove the ballot box entirely and are rehearsing for it. They are forcing an authoritarian rule on the people without any democratic elections."
The meeting between Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir, which was scheduled to discuss the commission expected to be formed in Parliament for the new peace process, was postponed due to the latest operations targeting CHP Antalya, Adıyaman, and Adana mayors.
"No political interpretation needed — the boss has lost his mind," nationalist opposition Good Party leader Musavat Dervisoglu told reporters when asked about the latest detentions on Saturday.
The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), which in recent months has engaged in quiet coordination with the government over renewed efforts to end the decades-long Kurdish conflict, also issued a strongly worded statement condemning the arrests. In its statement, the party said, "We stand against any intervention in the will of the people and call on all segments of society to join a common struggle."
Antalya Mayor Bocek, who had been referred to the on-duty court with a request for his arrest, was arrested late in the day.
DEM Party Co-Chair Tulay Hatimogullari and her delegation visited CHP Headquarters on July 6. Following their meeting with CHP Chair Ozel, the two leaders held a joint press conference.
Hatimogullari criticized the recent operations as "a continuation of the trustee mentality," while Ozel remarked, "Everyone sees this as a political operation." When asked by reporters, Hatimogullari stated that they expect these operations targeting municipalities to be addressed during the upcoming meeting with President Erdogan, scheduled for July 7.
Turkish Authorities Arrest Dozens in Izmir Tender Fraud Probe
Authorities issued detention warrants for 157 individuals on July 1 as part of an investigation led by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. By July 4, 139 people had been taken into custody.
The investigation centers on allegations of tender rigging, interference with contract execution, and aggravated fraud. Prosecutors said the probe is based on evidence gathered from Court of Accounts audits, inspector reports, and expert analyses.
On July 4, prosecutors sought the arrest of 99 former and current municipal officials in Izmir, a stronghold of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Among those targeted were former Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer and CHP regional president Senol Aslanoglu.
A total of 60 people, including Soyer and Aslanoglu, were arrested as part of the investigation.
Ankara Court Postpones Key CHP Corruption Trial to September
An Ankara court on June 30 adjourned a high-profile corruption trial that could impact the leadership of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The brief hearing ended with the judge postponing proceedings until September 8 due to a question over jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the Ankara 26th Criminal Court of First Instance has once again ruled that it lacks jurisdiction in the CHP Congress case. The court has forwarded the file to the Ankara Regional Court of Justice to resolve the jurisdictional dispute and issue a decision.
Turkey's Gross Foreign Debt Reaches $527.5 Billion
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance announced that as of March 31, Turkey's gross foreign debt stock stood at $527.5 billion, while net foreign debt stock amounted to $264.1 billion.
According to the data, the gross foreign debt stock equaled 38.5 percent of national income, while net foreign debt stock represented 19.3 percent. The Treasury-guaranteed foreign debt stock was reported at $15.9 billion.
Debts of Public Economic Enterprises Soar to Over 1 Trillion Lira
The debts of public economic enterprises (KITs), including major organizations like CAYKUR, BOTAS, EUAS, and TMO, reached 1 trillion 85.8 billion liras in the first quarter of the year. According to a report by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance on KITs, their debts rose from 932.7 billion liras in the last quarter of 2024 to the current level.
Since 2020, rapidly growing debts have caused systematic public losses. In 2020, the total debt stood at 124.8 billion liras, marking a nearly ninefold increase from today's figures. Of the 844.8 billion liras in domestic debt, 338.8 billion liras are owed to official institutions, 268.9 billion liras to commercial banks, and 69.7 billion liras to other public enterprises.
Meanwhile, the external debt of KITs rose from 32.7 billion liras in 2020 to 241.1 billion liras, with 125.9 billion liras of this amount coming from Treasury-guaranteed loans.
TurkStat Reports Lower-Than-Expected June Inflation; Natural Gas Prices Hiked
The Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) released June's inflation figures, showing consumer prices rose by 1.37 percent, below economists' expectations of 1.53 percent. Annual inflation stood at 35.05 percent, slightly lower than forecasts of 35.26 percent.
The Inflation Research Group (ENAG), an independent team of academics, also released its June inflation figures. According to ENAG, monthly inflation stood at 3.05 percent, while annual inflation reached 68.68 percent.
Meanwhile, the producer price index (PPI) climbed 2.46 percent monthly and 24.45 percent annually.
Separately, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) announced that final natural gas sales prices will rise by an average of 7.86 percent for industrial consumers and 24.6 percent for residential consumers. The new tariffs will take effect on July 2.
Turkey's Hunger Threshold Surpasses Minimum Wage as Inflation Bites
Turkey's hunger threshold for June rose to TL 26,115 ($657), surpassing the minimum wage of TL 22,104 ($574), according to a report by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TURK-IS). The report also set the poverty line for a family of four at TL 85,066 ($2,140), while the monthly living cost for a single worker was calculated at TL 33,587 ($845).
Rosatom in Talks to Sell 49% Stake in Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Plant
Russia's state-owned nuclear giant Rosatom negotiates the sale of a 49 percent stake in the $25 billion Akkuyu nuclear power plant it is currently building in Turkey, Bloomberg reported on July 1, citing a senior Rosatom official.
Anton Dedusenko, chairman of the board at Rosatom's Akkuyu subsidiary, told Bloomberg during the Nuclear Power Plants Expo & Summit in Istanbul that discussions are ongoing with both Turkish and international investors. "The closer we are to the first unit generating electricity, the more investors start coming," Dedusenko said.
The first unit of the 4.8-gigawatt facility—Turkey's first nuclear power plant—is currently undergoing tests and is expected to begin supplying electricity in 2026, he added.
Turkish Court Arrests 13 Over Protest for Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor
A Turkish court ordered the arrest of 13 people detained during a massive opposition rally outside Istanbul City Hall marking 100 days since the imprisonment of the city's popular mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.
Turkish police detained 42 people during the demonstration, releasing eight later the same day after initial questioning. On July 3, prosecutors referred 15 of the detainees to court on charges of "insulting the president" and violating laws on meetings and demonstrations. Seven were arrested earlier that day, while six of the remaining eight were jailed later on July 3. The other 21 detainees were released under judicial supervision.
Four Staff from Turkish Satirical Magazine Jailed Over Cartoon Controversy
Four staff members of the Turkish satirical magazine LeMan were jailed pending trial on July 2 on charges of "publicly insulting religious values" after being detained by police on June 30 over a controversial cartoon.
The magazine came under heavy criticism in Turkey on the evening of June 30 because of its June 26 edition, which allegedly featured a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad. LeMan strongly denied the accusation, stating that the image "had nothing to do with the Prophet Muhammad."
Prosecutors issued detention warrants for six LeMan staff members, but two of them are reportedly abroad. Cartoonist Dogan Pehlivan, graphic designer Cebrail Okcu, managing director Zafer Aknar, and company manager Ali Yavuz were taken to Istanbul Courthouse in Caglayan on July 2, where a judge ordered their remand pending trial.
Turkey Listed as High-Risk Country in Global Torture Index
Turkey has been classified as a high-risk country for torture and ill-treatment in the inaugural edition of the Global Torture Index 2025, released by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) on June 25. The index was developed in cooperation with three Turkish civil society organizations: the Human Rights Association (IHD), the Lawyers for Freedom Association (OHD), and the Foundation for Society and Legal Studies (TOHAV).
The report places Turkey in the second-highest risk tier among 26 countries assessed, citing widespread allegations of torture, unchecked police violence, and legal and institutional obstacles that hinder accountability.
Graduate Who Tore Diploma at Bogazici Ceremony Detained in Police Raid
Turkish police detained Doruk Dorucu early on July 4 in a raid on his home after he tore up his diploma during a graduation ceremony at Bogazici University.
"This diploma is null and void," Dorucu declared in his speech, adding, "I reject the diploma issued by a despotic regime that cancels the degree of our future president and arbitrarily opens and closes faculties." He also stated he would only accept a diploma signed by Bogazici's elected rector, not a government-appointed one.
Dorucu was later released under judicial supervision.
Turkey's Media Regulator Hits Opposition Channels with Bans and Heavy Fines
Turkey's media regulator has handed down suspension penalties and maximum fines to opposition channels Sozcu TV and TELE1, accusing them of airing content that insults the president and undermines national values.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) fined Sozcu TV for comments made during its "Para Politika" (Money Policy) program, where the host claimed "Turkey is not a Muslim country." RTUK argued the remarks incited hatred, clashed with national and spiritual values, and threatened social harmony by politicizing religion.
RTUK also penalized TELE1 for airing a speech by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel during a rally in Istanbul's Sarachane neighborhood, saying his remarks against President Erdogan crossed the line of legitimate criticism.
In addition, the council announced it will impose 10-day broadcast blackouts on opposition-aligned Halk TV and Sozcu TV starting July 8, following separate rulings that penalize both outlets over their coverage of mass protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
Erdogan Holds High-Level Talks with Regional Leaders at ECO Summit
Turkish President Erdogan held a series of high-level meetings with Central and South Asian leaders on July 4 during the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.
Erdogan met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
His meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian took place behind closed doors. According to Turkish media, the two leaders discussed regional security and bilateral cooperation.
Erdogan's talks with Azerbaijani President Aliyev focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing post-conflict reconstruction in territories regained by Azerbaijan.
MIT Chief Kalin Holds Key Security Talks in Erbil
Turkish Intelligence (MIT) Chief Ibrahim Kalin visited Erbil, Iraq, on July 1 for high-level meetings with KDP Leader Masoud Barzani, KRG President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Interior Minister Reber Ahmed, and senior KRG security officials.
The discussions reportedly centered on regional stability following the Iran-Israel war, joint counterterrorism efforts under the "Terror-Free Turkiye" initiative, and plans to eliminate terrorism from the region. Both sides also addressed the security and political representation of Iraqi Turkmens.
UK Foreign Secretary Visits Turkey for Talks on Middle East, Trade
Britain's top diplomat, David Lammy, held high-level meetings in Ankara on June 30 during his first official visit to Turkey, focusing on Middle East developments and efforts to boost bilateral trade.
Lammy, who became foreign secretary a year ago, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Erdogan. Fidan said the talks covered the 12-day Iran-Israel war and thanked Lammy for the UK's decision to lift sanctions on Syria in April. He added that Lammy "said he would go to Syria soon." Following the talks, Lammy said both sides aimed to "strengthen our bilateral relationship with a free trade agreement" that would build on £28 billion in existing trade.
Cyprus to Invite Turkey to EU Summit Despite Longstanding Dispute
Cyprus announced on June 30 that it will invite Turkey to a summit during its European Union presidency next year, despite the decades-long rift between the two countries.
Nicosia will assume the rotating EU presidency in the first half of 2026 and plans to host a summit of regional leaders, including Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, to discuss issues concerning the Middle East, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said. Christodoulides previously revealed that the summit is scheduled for April 2026.
Turkish Seismic Vessel Returns After Completing Landmark Exploration in Somali Waters
A Turkish seismic research vessel returned home on July 2 after completing the country's first intercontinental energy exploration mission. It gathered vital seismic data in Somali waters during an eight-month deployment to assess hydrocarbon potential in Somalia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
During the mission, the vessel collected 3D seismic data covering 4,464 square kilometers across three offshore blocks. Analysis of the data is now underway in Ankara to pinpoint potential drilling sites. Drilling operations are expected to start by late 2025 or early 2026, pending environmental assessments and logistical preparations.
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