National Intelligence Academy (MIA) Vice President Hakkı Uygur said Tuesday that Türkiye’s growing intelligence and defense capabilities have elevated the country’s role within NATO and regional security affairs, ahead of next month’s alliance summit in Ankara.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) ahead of the NATO heads of state and government summit scheduled for July 7-8 in the Turkish capital, Uygur said the alliance is undergoing a significant transformation driven by shifting geopolitical realities, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“This year’s NATO summit will be highly significant,” Uygur said, noting that ongoing debates within the alliance over burden-sharing, European security and Washington’s strategic focus on the Asia-Pacific region have increased Türkiye’s importance within NATO.

“The fact that the summit is being held in Türkiye means that these critical discussions will take place in Türkiye,” he said. “As geopolitical developments become more prominent, countries like Türkiye, which play an influential role in the Caucasus, the Balkans, the Black Sea and the Middle East, inevitably come to the forefront.”

Uygur highlighted Ankara’s recent advances in intelligence and defense technologies, arguing that they have strengthened the country’s position both within the alliance and across its surrounding regions.

“In recent years, Türkiye’s intelligence capacity has developed significantly. Likewise, it has made important strides in the defense industry,” he noted. “All of this has made Türkiye an actor that cannot be ignored, both within the alliance and in regional developments.”

Uygur also underlined that NATO’s continued relevance depends on its ability to adapt to emerging threats and changing security conditions.

“Organizations that fail to keep pace with change and transformation eventually lose their relevance,” he said, adding that NATO has managed to survive beyond its original Cold War mission despite periodic internal disagreements.

According to Uygur, the alliance’s efforts in intelligence sharing, technological cooperation and counterterrorism demonstrate its continued vitality. However, he said recent developments have accelerated NATO’s transformation as member states increasingly share a common perception of security threats.

He argued that some of Türkiye’s national security concerns were not taken seriously by certain allies in previous years. The security environment created by Russia’s war in Ukraine, he said, has led European countries to view Moscow as a direct threat.

“Today NATO is changing and transforming,” Uygur said. “Only in this way can it adapt to new conditions. Otherwise, like many international organizations before it, it risks losing its meaning.”

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Ten years after the defeated July 15, 2016 coup attempt, Türkiye is renewing efforts to secure the extradition of fugitive members of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), with authorities updating hundreds of legal files and preparing to present new evidence to foreign governments.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said Ankara has launched a new diplomatic and legal initiative targeting senior figures of the group who remain abroad, emphasizing that extradition requests are being revised in light of newly obtained evidence.

Speaking to Sabah newspaper, Gürlek said Turkish authorities had begun reexamining all existing extradition files and would resubmit updated dossiers to relevant countries.

“We have initiated new efforts regarding the extradition of the group’s leadership,” Gürlek said. “New evidence will be sent again to the relevant countries, and the files are being updated.”

Türkiye designates FETÖ as a terrorist group and holds the group responsible for orchestrating the July 15 coup attempt that killed more than 250 people and injured thousands.

According to Justice Ministry, Turkish judicial authorities have so far prepared 2,950 extradition requests involving 2,765 suspects and submitted them to 119 countries.

The largest number of requests were sent to Germany, the United States and Belgium. Authorities submitted 777 extradition files to Germany, 428 to the United States and 142 to Belgium.

However, many of the requests have either been rejected or remain unresolved. Germany has rejected 519 requests, while 355 cases submitted to the United States are still pending, according to ministry figures.

One of the most significant obstacles remains the position of Interpol. Turkish authorities have repeatedly sought Red Notices for wanted FETÖ members, but none have been approved by Interpol’s General Secretariat.

Turkish officials point to a 2018 decision by Interpol’s Executive Committee, which concluded that requests related to FETÖ could fall under Article 3 of the organization’s constitution, prohibiting intervention in matters considered political in nature.

Foreign governments have frequently cited asylum status, citizenship protections, concerns over alleged political motivations and potential risks of mistreatment as reasons for rejecting extradition requests. Ministry figures show that 1,072 extradition applications have received negative responses.

Only a limited number of extraditions have been completed. Authorities cited two extraditions from Romania and one from Algeria among the cases that resulted in successful returns to Türkiye.

Gürlek said Türkiye expects stronger cooperation from international partners, particularly from Interpol, stressing that Ankara remains one of the organization’s most active contributors both institutionally and operationally.

“Türkiye is among the leading countries providing active support to Interpol’s work,” he said. “Interpol should stand by Türkiye, without hesitation, against elements that threaten our national security.”

The minister said the campaign against FETÖ has increasingly taken on an international dimension as senior figures of the group remain outside Türkiye.

“The group’s leadership is abroad,” Gürlek said. “We have launched a new diplomatic and legal initiative. With newly obtained evidence, we will renew extradition requests. This issue will remain a priority topic in our discussions, particularly with the United States and European countries.”

He also said authorities continue monitoring the group’s recruitment activities and financial networks, describing FETÖ constantly adapts and restructures itself.

Among the individuals sought by Türkiye are several senior figures accused of holding key positions within the group. Turkish authorities have requested the extradition of individuals residing in the United States, including Cevdet Türkyolu, Mustafa Özcan, Ahmet Kara, Şerif Ali Tekalan, İsmail Büyükçelebi and former media executive Ekrem Dumanlı.

Other names sought by Ankara include Ahmet Kurucan and former Kaynak Holding chairman Naci Tosun.

Authorities have also launched extradition proceedings for Murat Yıldız, who is reportedly in Germany and is accused of providing technical support during the reading of the coup declaration on state broadcaster TRT on the night of July 15.

Meanwhile, Türkiye has requested the extradition of several suspects from Belgium and continues efforts to locate other wanted figures believed to be residing in different countries.

As the 10th anniversary of the failed coup approaches, Turkish officials say they remain committed to pursuing fugitive suspects through legal and diplomatic channels, arguing that accountability for the events of July 15 remains a national priority.

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Almost one year later, Türkiye’s top diplomat Hakan Fidan returns to Moscow for a two-day official visit. Fidan was invited by his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The visit on June 16-17 is expected to cover a meeting between Fidan and Lavrov, a reception by Russian President Vladimir Putin and a meeting with Turkish businesspeople in Russia. Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Black Sea security are among the top topics Turkish and Russian officials will have discussions.

Fidan last visited Russia for bilateral talks on May 26-27, 2025. He also held talks with Lavrov last April on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in the eponymous Turkish city.

Foreign ministry sources said Fidan will highlight the importance of Turkish-Russian relations for regional stability and prosperity and will have comprehensive discussions on topics related to bilateral ties, particularly commerce, energy, security and consular affairs.

Sources said Fidan will also highlight Türkiye’s commitment to diplomatic efforts for a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia, as well as readiness to host another round of talks like Türkiye did in 2022 and last year.

A Ukrainian official said that Kyiv would welcome an offer from Türkiye ​to host bilateral talks, which President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ​has proposed several times.

Kyiv’s ambassador to Ankara told Reuters last month that ⁠it wanted ‌deeper ‌ties with Türkiye, including joint ⁠production in the defense industry.

The minister will point out that rising tensions in the Black Sea threatened regional and global peace and recent incidents paved the way for multi-dimensional risks. Türkiye is among the countries littoral to Black Sea, which had its fair share of stray drones and naval mines from the Russia-Ukraine conflict washing on its shores or crashing into its territories, especially last year. On Sunday, an unmanned aerial vehicle was found off the coast of Türkiye’s Black Sea province of Bartın. He will note that Türkiye’s cease-fire proposal for the protection of energy infrastructure and ports and a mechanism for Black Sea maritime security still stands. In recent months, Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of ⁠drone attacks on tankers near Türkiye’s northern coast.

The foreign ministry sources said Fidan would also highlight Türkiye’s support for lasting peace between the United States and Iran and the resumption of the prewar status quo at the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining maritime security through the strait.

On Syria, Fidan will underline the importance of international support to the Syrian administration for stability, security and development of Türkiye’s southern neighbor. Russia’s foreign ministry said last Wednesday that cooperation with Syria was ​developing very actively and that Moscow was discussing with Damascus a “possible reformatting” of ⁠its military facilities ⁠in Syria. The December 2024 ousting of Bashar al-Assad, a close Russian ally, raised ​questions about the future of Russia’s Hmeimim ​airbase ⁠in Latakia and its naval facility at Tartous. But Moscow has since built relations with Syria’s new president Ahmed al-Sharaa. “Russian-Syrian cooperation is developing very actively,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said when asked about reported plans for the creation of a logistics hub in Tartous to distribute goods imported from Russia across Syria. “Within the framework of ⁠contacts ⁠with Syrian partners, the issue of Russia’s military presence in Syria is also being discussed, including in the context of a possible reformatting of the functionality of Russian military facilities.”

Sources said Fidan would also raise the issue of Israel, how its aggressive and expansionist policies threatened security and stability in the entire region and will highlight the need to prevent Israel’s violations of the cease-fire in Gaza, steps to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank and occupation of Lebanon.

Additionally, the minister will reiterate Türkiye’s support for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and emphasize that peace in the South Caucasus would also benefit Türkiye and Russia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol ⁠Pashinyan, whose last days of his previous term were marked with escalating tensions with Russia, won elections this month. Yerevan works with Azerbaijan on ⁠a peace ​deal that may speed up Türkiye’s own normalization with Armenia.

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday said Türkiye had consistently pursued a prudent, measured and diplomacy-first policy since the outbreak of attacks on Iran, emphasizing Ankara’s efforts to promote regional stability and support diplomatic solutions.

Speaking at a news conference after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara, Erdoğan said the deal had brought relief to a region that had remained on edge for months.

“From the very first day of the attacks on Iran, we maintained a prudent, calm and diplomacy-first stance,” Erdoğan said. “We did not succumb to provocations, nor did we abandon fairness.”

The president stressed that Türkiye had worked to preserve its relations with neighboring countries while coordinating closely with allies and Gulf partners throughout the crisis.

“We were not among those pouring fuel on the fire of war; we were among those raising the voice of peace,” Erdoğan said.

He noted that Ankara strongly supported mediation efforts led by Pakistan, alongside Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while remaining vigilant against attempts to deepen divisions in the region and drive wedges between neighboring nations.

Erdoğan also said Türkiye’s presidential system had enabled state institutions to respond effectively to regional crises, arguing that the country’s governance structure had become a key advantage during periods of instability.

Referring to the agreement announced between Washington and Tehran, Erdoğan described it as an important step toward ending hostilities and easing tensions across the broader Middle East.

‘NATO summit to serve as milestone for future of bloc’

Erdoğan also highlighted Türkiye’s preparations to host a series of major international gatherings in 2026, led by the NATO Leaders Summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara.

Emphasizing Türkiye’s longstanding role within the alliance, Erdoğan said the country remains one of NATO’s most important members and continues to play a key role in safeguarding the alliance’s southeastern flank. He noted that Türkiye commands NATO’s second-largest land force and remains among the leading contributors to the alliance’s peace missions worldwide.

The president said Ankara aims to ensure that the upcoming summit serves as a milestone for the future of NATO’s security architecture, adding that the alliance’s strength depends on preserving the spirit of solidarity and cooperation among allies.

Erdoğan also rejected recurring predictions about NATO’s decline, saying the alliance has repeatedly adapted to changing global conditions and emerging security threats.

The president noted that Türkiye’s military capabilities, dynamic defense industry, strategic location and geopolitical importance will continue to make it a leading actor within the alliance.

He said expectations surrounding the Ankara summit have grown due to both Türkiye’s position within NATO and developments across the region. He added that extensive preparations are underway to welcome world leaders attending the gathering.

Beyond the NATO summit, Erdoğan noted that Türkiye will host several other major international events in 2026, including the NATO Parliamentary Summit in Istanbul on June 28-29, the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara later in the year, the 77th International Astronautical Congress and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya. He said Türkiye intends to organize all of these events in a manner befitting the country’s international standing.

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with António Guterres on Monday to discuss regional and global developments, with the leaders exchanging views on ongoing diplomatic efforts and key international issues, the Presidential Communications Directorate said.

In a statement on Turkish social media platform NSosyal, the directorate said Erdoğan told Guterres that Türkiye is working to help establish peace and stability, particularly in Iran, Gaza and the Horn of Africa.

He said the diplomatic opportunity to resolve issues between the U.S. and Iran should be utilized, adding that the international community has responsibilities to prevent the process from being sabotaged.

Earlier on Monday, Erdoğan hailed the agreement between the U.S. and Iran as an important step toward achieving peace and stability in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday that an agreement with Iran had been finalized and said he was authorizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of a U.S. naval blockade.

The Pakistani premier also announced early Monday that the U.S. and Iran have reached a peace agreement following intensive negotiations, with both sides declaring an immediate and permanent end to military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Both Washington and Tehran later confirmed the announcement.

Pakistan has been mediating between the two sides since securing a cease-fire on April 8, weeks after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

Erdoğan also said that the effective continuation of the U.N. missions’ activities in Syria is important and that Türkiye will continue to provide the necessary support in this regard.

The latest developments on the island of Cyprus, as well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon, were also discussed during the call, the directorate said.

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Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is facing a deepening internal crisis amid reports that supporters of former party leader Özgür Özel are preparing contingency plans that could include launching a new political party, according to Turkish media reports and party insiders.

The dispute follows a court ruling that effectively restored former CHP Chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to the party leadership, triggering an escalating power struggle between rival factions competing for control of the party’s organization, parliamentary group and future direction.

Several Turkish media outlets reported that figures close to Özel have accelerated preparations for a possible breakaway movement and could announce details of a new political formation as early as this week. The reports claim that organizers have already secured office space in Ankara and are evaluating multiple scenarios, including either establishing a new party or taking over an existing political party with legal eligibility to participate in elections.

Among the options reportedly being discussed are the takeover of smaller political parties, including the Technology Development Party (TEK Party) and the Democrat Party, although no official confirmation has been provided by either camp.

The reports emerged as CHP factions continue to clash over the party’s next steps following the court’s decision and a growing dispute over calls for an extraordinary party congress.

Supporters of Özel have reportedly collected signatures from nearly 1,000 party delegates to force an extraordinary convention aimed at reshaping the party leadership. However, Kılıçdaroğlu’s allies argue that the legal circumstances created by the court ruling prevent such a congress from being convened at this stage.

According to Turkish media reports, members of Kılıçdaroğlu’s circle believe any signatures collected for an extraordinary congress should be directed to the courts rather than the current party administration, citing ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the leadership dispute.

The struggle has also spilled into parliament, where rival factions are contesting control of CHP’s parliamentary group.

Tensions intensified after disciplinary measures were reportedly initiated against senior lawmakers Ali Mahir Başarır and Gökhan Günaydın, both considered close to Özel. Party officials aligned with Kılıçdaroğlu are reportedly seeking to appoint new parliamentary group leaders, while supporters of Özel are preparing their own internal meetings to preserve influence within the parliamentary caucus.

The dispute is expected to reach another critical stage this week as both factions seek authorization to hold separate parliamentary group meetings under their respective leadership claims.

Meanwhile, CHP’s Central Executive Board, chaired by Kılıçdaroğlu, is expected to meet this week amid speculation that further disciplinary actions and organizational changes could be announced, including measures affecting local party organizations and municipal officials.

Reports of a possible new political party have generated mixed reactions within the opposition ranks.

According to party insiders cited by Turkish media, dozens of lawmakers who previously supported calls for an extraordinary congress remain reluctant to leave CHP and join a newly established movement. Several reports suggest that a significant number of deputies and municipal mayors continue to favor remaining within the party despite the ongoing leadership dispute.

Supporters of a potential breakaway argue that a new political movement could distance itself from CHP’s historical baggage and potentially appeal to conservative voters who have traditionally been reluctant to support the party.

However, political observers note that any newly established party would face significant organizational and financial challenges. Unlike CHP, which receives substantial public funding due to its parliamentary representation, a new party would need to build a nationwide organization and campaign structure without immediate access to state financial support.

Adding to speculation, former CHP lawmaker and journalist Mustafa Balbay said during a television appearance that preparations for alternative political structures were underway. Balbay claimed that office space had been secured and contingency plans were being developed to avoid being caught unprepared as the party crisis unfolds.

On the oıther hand, according to party sources cited by Turkish media reports, indicate that nearly 50 lawmakers have individually contacted Kılıçdaroğlu and senior party officials in recent weeks to convey that they have no intention of leaving the CHP to join a potential breakaway movement.

The reports also claim that if Özel were to establish a new party, no more than 60 CHP lawmakers would be expected to resign and join him, a figure significantly lower than earlier estimates circulating within opposition circles.

Moreover, party sources argue that many lawmakers publicly aligned with Manisa lawmaker Özgür Özel have been reluctant to openly express their true positions due to what they describe as intense backlash and criticism on social media.

According to the sources, these lawmakers may continue to maintain their current stance until any potential decision by Özel to part ways with the CHP becomes official.

The sources also claim that, in addition to lawmakers, numerous mayors have remained in contact with the party headquarters and have repeatedly emphasized their intention to remain within the CHP.

Party officials estimate that if Özel were to establish a new political party, no more than 60 lawmakers would leave the CHP to join him. They argue that many of those who might defect are relatively recent additions to the party and do not have deep-rooted ties to the CHP’s political tradition.

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