Turkey: Politics

Domestic

Turkey has positioned itself as a key diplomatic mediator, offering to host talks between the United States and Iran to help negotiate and avoid potential U.S. military action. This initiative was discussed during a visit by Iran's top security official to Ankara. Concurrently, the Turkish leadership hosted other foreign leaders and called for a stronger international system, arguing the current global order has lost credibility. Domestically, Turkey publicly called on the U.S. to resume nuclear negotiations with Iran, stating such talks are vital for regional stability. In a related commercial development, Turkish Airlines canceled its flights between Istanbul and Tehran amid protests in Iran.

International

A major development involved a new peace proposal for Gaza, which has given Turkey and Qatar a significant role on an oversight body, sparking a major political dispute in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly objected to their inclusion, vowing Turkish or Qatari soldiers would not be part of any Gaza security force. This proposal is linked to an invitation from the United States for Turkey and other regional leaders to join a new 'Board of Peace' focused on Gaza. In other diplomatic engagements, Turkey's leader discussed Iran's nuclear program with its new president, emphasizing diplomacy and opposing foreign intervention, while also praising a ceasefire in Syria. Separate talks affirmed Turkey's support for Syria's territorial integrity and its close following of developments in Somalia and Yemen. Relations with the European Union were strained during a political dialogue in Ankara, with Turkey criticizing the EU's policy on its membership bid and its handling of the Cyprus issue. A separate U.S.-Denmark diplomatic conflict emerged over a U.S. proposal to purchase Greenland.