Özgür Özel insists on staying involved in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) while Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu appears determined to continue his purge of Özel loyalists from Türkiye’s oldest party.

The ousted chair’s supporters managed to collect the signatures of 833 delegates for a petition on a new intra-party election. The petition was delivered on Wednesday to the office of Kılıçdaroğlu, who took back his seat as the main opposition leader last May after a court verdict reinstated him.

Some 170 more delegates also sent their signatures informally for the petition, though they are barred by a court from formally joining the petition due to a trial on vote-buying in the CHP. The same vote-buying case cost Özel his seat, while Kılıçdaroğlu vowed to cleanse the CHP of “corruption” both in reference to the alleged vote-buying and corruption cases plaguing CHP-run municipalities.

Kılıçdaroğlu, who helmed the CHP from 2010 to 2023, lost both the presidential race in which he was the candidate of a six-party alliance and an intra-party election that year. During his campaign for the presidency, he was touted as the last hope of the opposition to end the reign of the wildly successful Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Nowadays, he is branded as a traitor by supporters of the CHP for accepting the court ruling reinstating him to office.

Özel, who left his office in CHP headquarters after a dramatic confrontation between his supporters and police, was quick to call for a new intra-party election, firmly believing that the party members will restore his rule in the party. Under the party charter, the CHP is required to hold an extraordinary intra-party vote for leadership if more than half of the delegates vote for it. If the Kılıçdaroğlu administration rejects the appeal, the Özel camp is considering taking the matter to court, according to media outlets.

Rumors are circulating that Özel and his supporters may establish a new party, but Özel refuted the claims, though he signaled that he may consider it if other options fail. He told the pro-CHP news outlet Nefes on Wednesday that he was intent not to “hand over” the CHP to “others.” He underlined that they would try all legal means to trigger a new election in the party, adding that the option of establishing a new party or switching to an existing political party with his supporters were “worst-case scenarios.” Özel complained that the Kılıçdaroğlu administration was doing everything to curb the majority he and his supporters retained in the party.

“First, they illegally removed our nine colleagues from the central administrative committee, and in response, we left the party assembly. The CHP currently has no party assembly,” he highlighted.

On Wednesday, Kılıçdaroğlu was scheduled to chair the party’s central administrative committee to discuss potential expulsions and the likelihood of a new intra-party vote. Party sources speaking to media outlets say that his administration has focused on the removal of heads of the party’s provincial branches who expressed loyalty to the Özel camp and those involved in corruption cases.

According to party insiders cited by Turkish media, dozens of lawmakers who previously supported calls for an extraordinary congress remain reluctant to leave the 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 the 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 the 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.

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Turkish police detained 15 suspects in an operation targeting the Daesh terrorist group in Istanbul, authorities said Thursday.

The operation was carried out by counterterrorism and intelligence units under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of an investigation into the group’s financing network.

Authorities identified suspects allegedly linked to Daesh who were accused of spreading propaganda through social media platforms. Following surveillance and intelligence work, police conducted simultaneous raids at multiple addresses across the city.

All 15 suspects were taken into custody and transferred to police headquarters for questioning. The investigation remains ongoing.

On the other hand, security sources said on Wednesday that the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) captured Daesh operative Ahmet Kazancı “in the border area.

Kazancı was part of the Daesh affiliate ISKP, or Islamic State-Khorasan Province, whose activities concentrate on South and Central Asia. He is also known under the aliases “Abu Ubeyde” and “Abu Ibrahim.” Sources said he succeeded Özgür Altun, another Turkish national also known as Abu Yasir Al Turki, who was in charge of Daesh’s “media wing” for Türkiye, a propaganda branch for the terrorist group. He was working under Altun and replaced him when Altun was captured.

MIT has cooperated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to capture Altun, one of the most wanted terrorists within an international network of Daesh. Altun, who was nabbed in June 2025 on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was once promoted in Daesh-linked publications as the group’s “media spokesperson.”

During questioning, Kazancı admitted his association with Altun, described the military and ideological training he received within the group and acknowledged carrying out media and propaganda activities for the group, according to the sources. Security sources said the operation disrupted Daesh plans targeting Türkiye and exposed networks used to transfer recruits to the terrorist group.

Daesh remains a threat to Türkiye, which lost dozens of citizens in attacks by the group that thrived in its southern neighbors, Iraq and Syria.

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The heads of foreign affairs committees of the Turkish Parliament and the Spanish Senate met in Ankara on Thursday.

Turkish committee chair Fuat Oktay welcomed Spain’s Pilar Milagros Rojo Noguera, as the two countries have a newfound momentum in bilateral relations.

In his remarks during the meeting at Parliament, Oktay emphasized the importance of relations between Türkiye and Spain, stating that the two countries’ similar positions on humanitarian issues and regional challenges, especially regarding Gaza, have strengthened the bond between their peoples.

Oktay said that cooperation between the two countries should be further enhanced in the fields of communications, technology, innovation and the defense industry. “I believe that mutual investments on a bilateral basis should increase, and that we can also jointly evaluate opportunities in third countries, including Ibero-America, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, Ukraine and Syria,” he said.

Stating that security and defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Spain is exemplary, Oktay said: “Spain’s deployment of a Patriot missile battery in our country for the past 11 years, as well as the agreement regarding the procurement of (Türkiye’s) Hürjet aircraft, are important indicators of our alliance spirit and solidarity. These areas of cooperation will continue to expand.”

Noting that Türkiye values Spain’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue, Oktay said: “We are pleased with the developments concerning the peace agreement in Iran and hope that this will contribute to lasting peace and security in our region. We welcome Spain’s support for Türkiye’s European Union membership process. During today’s meeting, in addition to bilateral relations, we will have the opportunity to discuss Türkiye-EU relations, Euro-Atlantic security, Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, Latin America and the Caribbean, the war in Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, the situation in Syria, and other regional developments.”

Pilar Milagros Rojo Noguera, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Senate, also emphasized the importance of their visit to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

Referring to relations between Türkiye and Spain, Noguera stated that both countries are assuming responsibilities in the face of the challenges currently affecting the region.

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What brings peace to the region pushed Israel to despair, as the remarks of a minister of the “Zionist regime” indicate. The “Türkiye-Qatar-Pakistan axis is worrying” for Tel Aviv, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said on Wednesday.

“What we are witnessing is the rise of a new axis,” Chikli said in remarks to Israel’s 103 FM radio, adding that the three countries helped shape the recently announced deal between the U.S. and Iran. “The emerging agreement is concerning, and the least of my concerns is the rehabilitation of the Iranian economy,” he added.

His comments came amid sharp criticism in Israel of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposition figures accuse of failure, saying that US President Donald Trump excluded him from negotiations with Iran on ending the war. Washington and Tehran reached a temporary truce on April 8 through Pakistani mediation before announcing a framework agreement on Monday to end the conflict. The accord is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday.

Israeli government ministers have publicly expressed their opposition to the agreement. There was no immediate response from Türkiye, Qatar or Pakistan to Chikli’s remarks. The three countries have supported diplomatic solutions to settle the U.S.-Iran conflict and efforts to promote regional stability.

Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ankara’s relations with Islamabad and Doha reached new heights.

Last month, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif was quoted as saying that his country may expand its strategic mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia to include Türkiye and Qatar. Islamabad and Riyadh signed the deal in September 2025 in an outreach to the Gulf and cemented their strategic positioning in the international community. Asif, quoted by Pakistan’s Hum News, said their agreement with Saudi Arabia was a regulation for the future. “If Qatar and Türkiye become a part of this agreement, it will be a good development,” he said.

Türkiye is the most vocal opponent of Israel in terms of opposition to the Netanyahu administration’s genocidal campaign in the Palestinian territories and aggressive expansionism that threatens Lebanon nowadays. Türkiye has also warned on Tuesday that Israel may seek to undermine the U.S.-Iran deal to end the conflict.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the strength of Türkiye-Russia relations and the importance of continued dialogue on regional and international developments as he received Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the Russian city of Kazan on Wednesday.

According to diplomatic sources, Fidan was received by Putin during his visit to Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov also attended the meeting, the Kremlin said.

Speaking at the start of the talks, Putin said relations between Türkiye and Russia continue to develop steadily and have evolved beyond formal diplomatic engagement.

“We are very pleased with how relations between our countries are developing steadily,” Putin said. “Our contacts have gone beyond the official framework and acquired a friendly character. This has largely been possible thanks to the approach demonstrated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.”

Putin also asked Fidan to convey his best wishes to Erdoğan, adding that Russia is always pleased to welcome the Turkish president.

Fidan delivered Erdoğan’s greetings to Putin and emphasized the need for close consultations amid growing international challenges.

“There is a very intensive agenda in our region and around the world,” Fidan said. “Your experience on these matters is extremely important. There are many issues that we need to discuss.”

The meeting comes as Türkiye and Russia remain engaged on a range of issues, including regional security, trade, energy cooperation and diplomatic efforts related to ongoing conflicts.

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Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) expelled more people associated with former chairman Özgür Özel while the ousted leader renewed pledge to fight in the party against reinstated chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. A new war of the words between two men was the latest chapter in the CHP’s “absolute nullification” drama amplified by a court verdict last month.

The latest disciplinary measures came after a meeting of the party’s executive board, with CHP spokesperson Müslim Sarı announcing that six current and former provincial chairpersons would face disciplinary proceedings with a request for expulsion from the party.

According to party officials, the disciplinary referrals are linked to allegations surrounding a legal dispute over the legitimacy of the party’s previous congress, known in Turkish political circles as the “mutlak butlan” case.

Those referred to the disciplinary board include Erzurum Provincial Chairman, Bursa Provincial Chairman, Bitlis Provincial Chairman, former Mardin Provincial Chairman, former Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik and former Batman Provincial Chairman.

The party also removed several provincial officials from their positions, further widening divisions between the CHP leadership and factions critical of the party headquarters.

The developments follow disciplinary action taken last week against nine CHP lawmakers, who were referred to the party’s disciplinary board with a request for expulsion.

The CHP has been grappling with an internal leadership crisis since a court ruling invalidated the results of a previous party congress, fueling competing claims over who holds legitimate authority within the party.

The dispute has also triggered calls for an extraordinary party congress. Organizers seeking such a gathering said they collected notarized signatures from hundreds of party delegates and submitted them to party headquarters this week.

Following the submission, provincial leaders held a joint news conference urging the party leadership to convene an extraordinary congress within 10 days.

Eskişehir Provincial Chairman Talat Yalaz said opponents of the current leadership would pursue legal remedies if the request is rejected.

Party officials said the signatures were being reviewed internally before a final decision is announced.

Meanwhile, the CHP’s High Disciplinary Board is expected to meet Thursday to review appeals filed by the nine lawmakers who were suspended from party activities pending disciplinary proceedings.

Party insiders expect the appeals to be rejected, although no official decision has yet been announced.

Speaking after meetings with provincial officials, Özgür Özel called on CHP supporters to stand behind provincial organizations whose leaders were removed from office.

“We invite all CHP members to support their provincial organizations,” Özel said, pledging solidarity with local party branches affected by the recent decisions.

Kılıçdaroğlu, meanwhile, issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the party’s direction and accusing unnamed figures of undermining the CHP’s institutional identity.

In remarks released Wednesday, he said foreign policy should not be used as a domestic political tool and described the CHP as a foundational institution of the Turkish Republic.

“The Republican People’s Party is not the playground of any individual or of those seeking to influence delegates through backroom deals; it embodies the independent will of the Turkish nation and state,” Kılıçdaroğlu stressed.

The dispute has fueled speculation about the future of the opposition movement.

In a television interview, Özel addressed reports that a new political party could be established if disputes surrounding the CHP’s congress are not resolved before the judicial process concludes.

Özel said opposition figures must prepare for all political scenarios, including the possibility of an early election.

“If an early election is called and the party remains in its current condition, we must be ready with alternatives,” he said.

Reiterating his call for an extraordinary party congress, Özel criticized the party leadership for what he described as efforts to block the process.

“The delegates have submitted their request and we want to hold this congress. If the congress cannot be held, then let the election board make that decision. At least I would know where to file my objection and take the matter to the Supreme Election Council,” he said.

Özel accused the leadership of deliberately obstructing the process, calling it “an act of political usurpation.”

Moreover, CHP Gaziantep lawmaker Hasan Öztürkmen claimed that the expenditures were directed toward certain television channels, newspapers and social media accounts that he said had supported the current party leadership.

Speaking to reporters, Öztürkmen said the figures were based on information allegedly provided by a CHP deputy chairman serving as the party’s treasurer.

“According to the latest information we have received, TL 755 million (about $16M) were paid to certain television channels, newspapers and social media accounts during 2024, 2025 and the first four months of 2026,” Öztürkmen said.

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