Türkiye and Azerbaijan on Monday marked the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration, elevating their ties to an alliance, an ongoing process highlighted with a string of concrete steps. The two countries have enjoyed warm ties from time immemorial, but their formal alliance was put into the text with the Shusha Declaration signed on June 15, 2021, by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, in the eponymous city of Azerbaijan. Since the declaration that elevated the status of strategic partnership, countries joined forces for cooperation for regional peace, solidarity and development.

The declaration is a testament to the comprehensive cooperation that will be maintained in all strategic fields, particularly national security. It envisions reinforcing partnership in many fields, from the military and defense industry to energy and transportation, from the economy to humanitarian relations. More importantly, the declaration affirmed joint action against threats and attacks against the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and border security of any one of the countries. Political pundits say the declaration is a turning point for reinforcing regional peace, security and cooperation.

It also includes a vision on the Turkic world, the two countries are part of and sets out goals for international promotion of Turkic cultural heritage, joint work on regional and global scale for development of the Turkic world. Erdoğan branded it as a road map in new era of Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations.

Azerbaijan demonstrated its commitment to brotherly relations after the signing of the declaration with solidarity with Türkiye following Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes in southern Türkiye. Azerbaijan was the first country to extend aid to Türkiye in the aftermath of what Türkiye calls “disaster of century” which killed tens of thousands of people. The amount of aid from Azerbaijan to Türkiye reached to $45 million. Azerbaijan also sent search and rescue crews and healthcare personnel to aid Türkiye and organized an aid campaign. It also allocated financial support amounting to $100 million for recovery of Kahramanmaraş, the province at the epicenter of the earthquake. Today, Kahramanmaraş hosts an entire neighborhood built by Azerbaijan, as well as a school, culture center and a park.

In September 2023, Türkiye announced strong support for Azerbaijan’s operations in Karabakh against Armenian separatists.

The relations were further reinforced with additional agreements and protocols in defense industry cooperation. Two countries launched joint production in the sector. In March 2024, Türkiye’s leading defense firm Baykar signed a joint research, development and production agreement with Azerbaijan’s defense ministry for AI-supported unmanned systems, technical maintenance and logistics coordination. Azerbaijan also plans to acquire fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets manufactured by Türkiye.

Countries also renewed their commitment on energy cooperation. In March 2025, the Iğdır-Nakhchivan natural gas pipeline with a capacity of 2 million cubic meters of natural gas daily was inaugurated.

In terms of connectivity, two countries outlined the future of the Kars-Nakhchivan railroad in August 2025. The railroad is expected to be completed in 2029.

In a message to an international conference held in Shusha on the occasion of the anniversary, President Aliyev said Azerbaijan strived to boost cooperation with various countries in the aftermath of the era where Azerbaijan faced occupation, international threats and injustice. Aliyev underlined that his country pursued decisive policies for lasting peace and stability in its region.

He underlined that strengthening solidarity and cooperation with the Turkic world was essential for international cooperation. “Our family, the Turkic world, is evolving into an influential geopolitical hub in the 21st century,” he stated.

The conference entitled “Regional Contribution to Global Security: Peacebuilding in the South Caucasus” was organized by New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) and hosted officials and experts from several countries, including Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Laos, Moldova, Cambodia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Belarus, China, North Macedonia, Georgia and Serbia.

Speaking at the conference, YAP deputy chair and secretary-general Tahir Budagov described the Shusha Declaration as a document of conceptual and strategic vision for the future that serves to promote peace, stability, security and cooperation in the region. “Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations are upgraded to a new level and now constitute one of the most important pillars of regional security architecture,” Budagov said. He said the declaration was based on the late President Heydar Aliyev’s definition of relations as “one nation, two states.” “It is rational next sequence of revered National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s immortal idea of National Salvation ideology, in the current geopolitical conditions,” Budagov stated. He said peace in the region was strengthened not only through political agreements but also through the implementation of mutual economic interests. “Historical experience indicates that conflict risks de-escalate in the regions with advanced economic integration and the cooperation becomes a guarantee for stability. Future of South Caucasus should be built upon open communication lines, transportation lines, cooperation based on mutual benefit and regional integration,” Budagov also said.

Speaking at the event, Şamil Ayrım, a lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) who also chairs Parliament’s Türkiye-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Committee of Friendship, echoed Budagov’s remarks. “The Shusha Declaration is not merely a document improving relations between two brotherly countries. It is also a strategic road map for lasting peace, security, economic development and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus.”

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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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Turkish authorities have arrested 11 suspects as part of an investigation into the alleged police network of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), following the analysis of digital records obtained from a secret witness known by the code name “Garson” (Waiter) prosecutors said on Monday.

The investigation, led by the Terror Crimes Bureau of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, targeted what authorities described as FETÖ’s “confidential law enforcement structure,” a network accused of infiltrating the Turkish police force.

According to prosecutors, evidence was derived from data stored on a microSD card obtained from the secret witness, which contained detailed records on the group’s internal organization, communication methods and member evaluations.

Investigators said the files revealed a system of codes used by the organization to classify its members according to their level of loyalty and involvement.

As the Sabah newspaper reported, among the codes identified was “SAYA,” assigned to individuals considered fully committed to the group and strictly compliant with its instructions. Other designations, including “DIL 1,” “DIL 2” and “DIL 3,” were reportedly used for members who had joined the group but had not yet been assigned active responsibilities and remained under evaluation and training.

Prosecutors said the code “EA” referred to individuals associated with the group but deemed insufficiently loyal, while “SC” and “SCC” were used for members who distanced themselves from the group or began questioning its activities after the corruption investigations of Dec. 17-25, 2013.

The files also detailed a monitoring mechanism known as the “attendance percentage,” which allegedly tracked participation in meetings held during police academy training. Investigators said some members recorded attendance rates exceeding 100% due to participation in additional gatherings.

Technical examinations further indicated that suspects allegedly communicated with senior organization figures through operational phone lines registered under other individuals’ names. Authorities said call records showed sequential contacts between suspects and so-called “confidential imams,” while location data suggested that some suspects connected to the same cellular base stations during authorized leave periods from police academies.

The investigation was supported by witness testimonies and digital evidence, according to prosecutors. Witness statements reportedly linked several suspects to organizational meetings and activities during their police academy years.

A total of 16 suspects were detained as part of the operation. Following court proceedings, 11 were formally arrested pending trial, while five others were released under judicial supervision measures.

Turkish authorities continue nationwide operations targeting individuals suspected of links to FETÖ.

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National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalın on Monday emphasized Türkiye’s role in regional security and NATO’s evolving strategic priorities ahead of next month’s alliance summit in Ankara while welcoming reports of a breakthrough in negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Speaking at a panel titled “NATO Ankara Summit: Intelligence and Resilience,” organized by the National Intelligence Academy in the Turkish capital, Kalın underlined Türkiye’s longstanding role within NATO, describing the alliance as a cornerstone of the country’s security policy since it joined in 1952.

He said Türkiye’s NATO experience had passed through three major phases: the Cold War, the fight against the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), and the security challenges stemming from the conflict in neighboring Syria.

Addressing developments in Syria, Kalın argued that Türkiye’s policies had helped create conditions for postwar reconstruction and social integration following the collapse of the Assad-era political order.

He said the integration of Syrian Kurdish communities into the country’s new political framework was a key element of the stabilization process and maintained that Türkiye had pursued what he described as a pragmatic approach to the issue.

Kalın added that Syria currently poses no direct threat to Türkiye, neighboring countries or NATO, while noting that Turkish and Syrian intelligence services continue to cooperate against remnants of the Daesh terrorist group.

The intelligence chief also referred to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative, describing it as a broader effort aimed not only at strengthening security but also at promoting economic development, political stability and democratic resilience.

Looking ahead to the NATO leaders’ summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, Kalın said the gathering would provide a critical platform for allies to assess how the alliance should adapt to a rapidly changing threat environment.

He said leaders would examine questions related to NATO’s future capabilities, burden-sharing mechanisms and strategic coordination as geopolitical competition intensifies and security challenges become increasingly complex.

Following the panel, Kalın presented NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security Scott Bray with an oil painting depicting a mosaic panel originally created by Turkish artist Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu and gifted to NATO in 1960.

Kalın also said reports that Washington and Tehran had reached an agreement were received positively.

“The news announced last night that an agreement had been reached between the United States and Iran has been welcomed by all of us,” Kalın said.

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