The Ministry of National Defense on Thursday reiterated President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s criticism of developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and said any military alliance targeting the rights and interests of Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots had no chance of success against Türkiye.

Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean escalated in recent years, in light of brewing conflicts in the Middle East and the lingering divide in Cyprus. Türkiye advocates for the sovereignty of Turkish Cypriots, whose Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) strives for international recognition while Greek Cypriots seek to boost their self-styled legitimacy through international alliances. The race for hydrocarbon resources around the island led to a build-up of tensions, with Türkiye and the TRNC seeking to defend their maritime rights as Greek Cypriots cooperate with other countries for offshore exploration.

In response to questions about the Status of Forces Agreement between France and the Greek Cypriot administration, the ministry said they were following “any provocation to destabilize the Eastern Mediterranean and escalating tensions.”

“The agreement between France, which has no guarantor status on Cyprus, and the Greek Cypriot administration aims to unilaterally change the sensitive balance in the island and ignores the will and sovereign equal rights of Turkish Cypriots. It is against the 1960 Cyprus treaties and international laws,” the ministry said, referring to the treaties that led to the creation of a state in Cyprus and designated Türkiye, Greece and the United Kingdom as guarantor states over the status of the island. “The illegitimate steps whose consequences are not thoroughly thought out can have dangerous consequences for the south of the island,” the ministry added.

“As the guarantor country, we will continue safeguarding the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and maintain its security. The Turkish Armed Forces have the determination to give the strongest response against hostile stands threatening the security of Turkish Cypriots,” the statement also said.

On Wednesday, Erdoğan named Israel as a destabilizing force in the region and said, along with its accomplices, that it aimed to “start a fire” in the Mediterranean.

Greek Cypriots have boosted their engagement with many countries, bolstering military cooperation in particular, with countries ranging from Israel to France and India. In the past two decades, it has signed agreements and protocols with the U.S., the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Czechia, Armenia, France, India, Jordan, Egypt and Greece for military alliances, transfer of military technology and use of air and maritime bases. In 2016, it signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Israel. The agreement’s content was not fully disclosed, but it is reported that the agreement allows Israel to use military bases and facilities in southern Cyprus, according to media reports. The Greek Cypriot administration also signed defense cooperation agreements with Israel in 2017 and 2024. The Greek Cypriot administration also signed a deal with France allowing deployment of French troops on the island. The deployment requires the approval of Türkiye, Greece and the United Kingdom, guarantor states of the divided island. The president said “some small circles whose ambitions are bigger than their size” have jumped on the Israeli bandwagon and served as “contractors of Zionism.”

“They are chasing dreams in the Eastern Mediterranean. Let me be clear: Do not engage in adventures, do not ride on the tails of the Zionist network of murderers. Our response to attempts at rights and sovereignty of Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean will be clear and very strong,” he said.

Tensions with Greece

The Defense Ministry also responded to claims that Turkish warplanes “harassed” Greek planes carrying Greek Defense Minister near the island of Cyprus. The ministry denied the claims and noted that it was Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration who were “occasionally violating TRNC airspace.”

“On June 7, four planes violated TRNC airspace, and our two F-16 jets deployed in the TRNC took off as a measure against the violation. They remained in TRNC airspace and did not violate Greek Cypriot airspace. It is unacceptable to accept statements and attempts seeking to stir up tensions in the region,” the ministry said.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia on the sidelines of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit of Heads of State and Government. According to Foreign Ministry sources, Fidan urged Greece to avoid steps that could harm regional stability or be directed against Türkiye.

The minister also said the draft maritime jurisdiction legislation currently on the agenda of the Turkish Parliament is a matter of domestic legislation, stressing that Türkiye respects international law and good neighborly relations. Dubbed the “Blue Homeland” law, the bill aims to reaffirm Türkiye’s maritime rights in the Aegean Sea, a hotly contested body of water between Türkiye and Greece and among major sources of contention as Athens and Ankara pursue rapprochement in ties stained with a history of hostilities.

The draft bill apparently angered Greece. Media reports say Athens is reportedly considering declaring new “marine parks” in the Aegean Sea while expanding the limits of its territorial waters south of Crete. The Greek government did not confirm reports, but Gerapetritis was recently quoted as saying that they would “absolutely utilize legal tools of response if Ankara takes this matter to new extremes.”

Fidan said Türkiye expects the same level of respect from all its neighbors and described as regrettable statements made by certain circles based on incomplete information regarding the draft law. He warned that such remarks could negatively affect bilateral relations and called for a more responsible approach.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The U.S.-Israel-Iran war, bilateral relations, Black Sea security and ties with the EU dominated Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s joint news conference with his Bulgarian counterpart Velislava Petrova-Chamova in Sofia on Thursday.

Fidan arrived in Bulgaria earlier this week to attend the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit and held bilateral talks with Petrova-Chamova.

The Turkish minister said at the news conference that mutual attacks in U.S.-Israel-Iran tensions had escalated in the past two days. “We are concerned. We recommend the sides cease attacks and return to the negotiation table and finalize the text (on a lasting peace) they are close to agreeing upon. We work to ensure it. We have seen that it is no benefit to anyone to escalate the conflict, to return to all-out war,” Fidan said.

The U.S. and Iran exchanged fresh attacks for a second consecutive night, heightening fears that the cease-fire agreed on in April might be unravelling.

Early on Thursday, the U.S. military said it had “completed” its latest round of strikes. In a post on X, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for the region, said the attacks targeted military intelligence facilities, communications systems and air defense positions that it said posed a threat to U.S. forces and international shipping.

“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression. U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal and ready,” it wrote. Iranian media reported explosions near the southern cities of Minab and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island and in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

Separate explosions were also reported near the commuter hub of Karaj, just a few kilometers west of Tehran, where state media said combat drones had been spotted.

The latest escalation followed U.S. strikes earlier this week on Iranian air defense systems, ground control stations and radar installations in response to the downing of a U.S. military helicopter. Iran subsequently launched attacks on U.S. bases in the Gulf region. Iran’s armed forces said early Thursday they had again targeted Bahrain and Kuwait in response to the latest U.S. strikes. Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace to civilian aviation and said air defenses had been activated.

U.S. President Donald Trump meanwhile accused Tehran of repeatedly violating the truce that came into force on April 8, describing it as “the most violated cease-fire in the history of the world,” according to comments reported by Fox News.

“No matter how difficult, how nerve-wracking it may be, the sides should carry the negotiations to a conclusion,” Fidan said Thursday.

Turkish-Bulgarian ties

On bilateral ties, Fidan said Türkiye and Bulgaria have a deepening strategic partnership. “We are acting as two neighbors and allies complementing each other in fields from border security and energy to transportation and commerce. A stronger Turkish-Bulgarian partnership is also beneficial for our wider region,” he said.

Fidan highlighted the deep historical ties and friendship between the two countries. “Lasting stability and prosperity in this region is through strengthening dialogue and cooperation. This was what was agreed upon at the SEECP summit as well. We highlighted that the countries should move forward with a regional ownership approach,” he stated.

The minister said Bulgarian Turks and Muslims played an exceptional role in strengthening bonds between the countries.

A new crossing

Fidan noted that the Turkish-Bulgarian border was a busy route and at their meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to build a new border crossing north of the Kapıkule crossing.

“We also exchanged views on increasing the capacity of our border crossings and on highway and railway projects that will strengthen regional connectivity. We are grateful for the support provided by the Bulgarian authorities in ensuring smooth border crossings for our citizens traveling from Europe to our country during the summer months,” the minister said.

Black Sea security

Fidan also spoke about the security of Black Sea, in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “While deepening our military relations with Bulgaria both within NATO and bilaterally, we are also taking concrete steps in the context of regional initiatives. The Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group, established together with Bulgaria and Romania, plays an important role in ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea. We are determined to further advance the activities of this task force, which we currently command. The long-term guarantee of Black Sea security is undoubtedly the end of the war continuing to our north. We consider the establishment of peace between Russia and Ukraine essential for the stability of our region. As Türkiye, we will continue to provide active support to both sides toward this goal. Our expectation is to achieve a lasting and just peace based on international law as soon as possible,” the minister said.

‘Europe without Türkiye’

On Turkish ties with the European Union, particularly the accession process, Fidan said this was discussed at their meeting.

“The multidimensional crises shaking our region and the world clearly demonstrate the strategic and indispensable nature of Türkiye-European Union relations. It is evident that a European (security) architecture in which Türkiye does not occupy its rightful place will remain incomplete and have a weakened capacity to cope with crises. The European Union’s economic future depends on increasing its competitiveness, strengthening its resilience, and rebuilding supply chains in its neighboring geography. In this context, deepening economic integration with Türkiye is a strategic necessity for the European Union. It is essential that the European Union’s defense and security initiatives be conducted in an inclusive manner that includes Türkiye, a strong NATO ally and a contributor to European security. In this regard, we greatly appreciate Bulgaria’s valuable support for Türkiye’s EU membership process,” he stated.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Presidential Chief Adviser on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç held a series of meetings in Berlin focused on Türkiye-Germany relations, European security and trans-Atlantic cooperation, according to a statement released on Thursday.

Kılıç, accompanied by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Berlin Gökhan Turan, met with North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Minister-President Hendrik Wüst at the NRW State Representation in Berlin. Discussions centered on the current state and future prospects of Türkiye-Germany relations, as well as recent developments in relations between Türkiye and the European Union.

The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving European security architecture, the future of trans-Atlantic relations and the political, economic and security challenges facing Europe. Regional and global developments and their impact on the international system were also discussed.

Following the meeting, Kılıç underscored the importance of maintaining the strong partnership and constructive dialogue between Türkiye and Germany.

As part of his Berlin program, Kılıç attended the traditional NRW Summer Festival hosted by the state’s representation office. During the event, he held talks with several senior German officials and lawmakers, including Wüst, president of the Bundesrat Andreas Bovenschulte, NRW Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs Nathanael Liminski and Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Armin Laschet.

Kılıç said such gatherings, which bring together representatives from politics, diplomacy, business and civil society, play an important role in assessing current developments and strengthening dialogue among different stakeholders.

The presidential adviser also participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Towards the 2026 Ankara Summit: Shaping the Future of Euro-Atlantic Security,” organized jointly by Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Participants discussed strategic perspectives on Euro-Atlantic security, NATO’s current challenges, changes in defense and security policies, and broader regional and global developments.

Kılıç reiterated that Türkiye, as a strong and indispensable NATO ally, remains committed to contributing to Euro-Atlantic security, strengthening the alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities, and supporting regional and global stability.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul discussed bilateral relations, preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara and ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, in a phone conversation on Tuesday, diplomatic sources said.

The two ministers reviewed Türkiye-Germany relations and exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming NATO summit scheduled to be held in Ankara and discussed the ongoing talks between Iran and the U.S., amid continued international efforts to advance a diplomatic solution and ease regional tensions.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stepped up his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Zionist regime. “Those following in the footsteps of Hitler will end up as all tyrants did throughout history,” he said at an event in Ankara on Thursday.

At the Congress and Culture Center of the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdoğan hosted an awards ceremony of the Turkish Red Crescent Society. The president heaped praise on one of the oldest charity organizations of Türkiye and outlined its international aid efforts. As he spoke about the Red Crescent’s efforts to deliver more than 26,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Erdoğan also continued his scathing criticism of the Zionist regime of Israel. Erdoğan, who called on the world to stop Israel in a speech on Wednesday, this time called upon the world to hold the Netanyahu administration accountable for the crimes it has committed.

Erdoğan likened the Zionist regime’s attacks across the region to “a shark smelling blood.”

“Eventually, they will pay for their crimes,” he stated.

The president noted that Türkiye both extended its helping hand to those affected by Israel’s attacks and exerted efforts for “this network of murderers to be held accountable.”

“Under its current administration, Israel is nothing but a factory producing instability and chaos, feeding upon blood and tears,” the president stated.

Erdoğan and other Turkish officials often compare the Netanyahu administration to rulers of Nazi Germany, highlighting the irony that a country whose citizens are among Holocaust survivors is now engaged in what Türkiye calls a genocide of Palestinians. Türkiye is a party to an international trial on genocide charges against Israel initiated by South Africa and cut off all ties with Israel after the renewal of Palestinian-Israeli conflict in 2023, shortly after a period where Ankara and Tel Aviv appeared close to rapprochement in their downgraded ties.

Shortly after Erdoğan on Wednesday called on the world to stop Israel’s murderous campaign, Netanyahu took to social media and claimed Israel was morally superior to Türkiye in a sharp retort to Erdoğan.

Türkiye is a fierce critic of Israel and one of the few countries in its region to openly defy the Netanyahu administration’s genocidal campaign of expansionism that spread from the Palestinian territories to Lebanon and beyond. For Ankara, Israel is the biggest obstacle to peace in the wider region.

Red Crescent’s success

In his speech, Erdoğan also praised the Turkish Red Crescent, which ranked first among similar organizations across the world last year with the amount of aid delivered to the most countries. “This accomplishment is also an indicator of our nation’s generosity and sense of solidarity,” Erdoğan said.

He noted the Red Crescent’s role especially in the aftermath of the Feb. 6, 2023, earthquakes and how it delivered meals, food, thousands of tents and blankets while operating mobile kitchens.

“In Gaza, where the Zionist genocide network led by Netanyahu continues its attacks, our Red Crescent has delivered more than 26,000 tons of humanitarian aid supplies to the region to date. Since Oct. 7, it has contributed to the tables of our Gazan brothers and sisters with 15 million meals. Through its soup kitchen services, it has distributed hot meals to 30,000 people daily. Providing food services to children in Gaza through the Gaza Cheerful Children Project initiated after the cease-fire, the Red Crescent is also simultaneously carrying out psychosocial support activities for children,” Erdoğan said.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to unveil Türkiye’s new artificial intelligence road map on June 13, outlining the country’s strategy to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving global AI sector and accelerate its digital transformation efforts.

The road map, prepared under the auspices of the presidency, is expected to bring together government institutions, technology companies, defense industry representatives, academics and entrepreneurs at a launch event in Istanbul.

Officials describe the initiative as a key milestone in Türkiye’s efforts to expand its technological capabilities and establish a more competitive digital economy.

The strategy is expected to define the country’s priorities, investment plans and long-term objectives in artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on infrastructure development, human capital and industrial innovation.

Among the measures anticipated in the road map are the establishment of high-capacity data centers, strengthening of digital infrastructure and the expansion of training programs aimed at developing a skilled AI workforce.

The plan is also expected to encourage broader use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, support digital transformation across industries and provide incentives for domestic technology startups.

Another key objective is the development of a stronger domestic AI ecosystem, including efforts to advance Türkiye’s own large language models and AI infrastructure. Universities are expected to play a larger role through expanded AI-focused education programs and research initiatives.

Artificial intelligence applications in public services, defense technologies, health care analytics, education technologies and entrepreneurship support mechanisms are also expected to feature prominently in discussions during the event.

Officials view the road map as a foundation for Türkiye’s future digital economy strategy and a framework for coordinating public and private sector investments in emerging technologies.

The announcement is expected to provide the most comprehensive outline to date of Türkiye’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and its plans to leverage the technology to drive economic growth, innovation and competitiveness in the years ahead.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Prosecutors in northwestern Türkiye have sought up to 402 years in prison for suspended Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and up to 946 years for former Nilüfer Mayor Turgay Erdem as part of a sweeping corruption and organized crime investigation involving dozens of suspects, according to an indictment accepted by a local court on Wednesday.

The 862-page indictment, prepared by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and accepted by the Bursa 2nd High Criminal Court, names 63 defendants, including 37 who remain in pretrial detention.

Prosecutors accuse Bozbey and Erdem of leading separate criminal organizations allegedly involved in bribery, money laundering, zoning violations and abuse of public office.

According to the indictment, Bozbey established an organized structure during his tenure as mayor of Nilüfer, one of Bursa’s largest districts, and used public authority to maintain the group’s operations. Prosecutors allege that members of the organization approved construction projects in violation of zoning regulations in exchange for bribes from developers.

The indictment claims that unauthorized increases in construction density and irregular occupancy permits generated illicit financial gains, while proceeds from the alleged scheme were laundered through family members, shell companies and affiliated entities.

Investigators further claim that shell companies were established to conceal illicit proceeds and that property transfers were carried out under the appearance of legitimate commercial transactions. Financial crime investigators reportedly found no corresponding payment records for some real estate transfers that prosecutors described as bribes.

The indictment also alleges that cash payments collected from developers were distributed among members of the organization and that some architectural projects linked to the case were funneled through a private firm connected to Bozbey’s family.

Bozbey is charged with establishing and leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, causing zoning pollution and unlawfully exercising public authority. Erdem faces similar accusations, including acting as an organizer within the alleged network.

The case stems from a corruption investigation launched by Bursa prosecutors that led to a series of raids and arrests beginning in March. Authorities detained dozens of suspects, including municipal employees, businesspeople and members of Bozbey’s family.

Bozbey was arrested in April and later suspended from office by the Interior Ministry as a temporary measure pending judicial proceedings. Erdem had already been jailed in a related investigation in October 2025.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.