Trump 'undecided' on Turkey's F-35s as Congress seeks answers on S-400 Top Democratic lawmakers say the ball is in Ankara’s court on rejoining the US-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, but suggest that Turkey offshoring its Russian-made S-400 system won’t be enough. Turkey
Feature Armenia's Pashinyan keeps Iran close while wooing Trump, Turkey and Azerbaijan As Yerevan pursues normalization with Turkey and Azerbaijan and backs a US-led transport corridor, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is working to reassure an increasingly assertive Iran that its interests won't be threatened. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Trump declares MoU with Iran 'over' as Hegseth cancels trip to Israel Trump said diplomacy with Tehran was “a waste of time” after renewed attacks around Hormuz, as US defense chief reportedly cancels Israel visit. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump says Iran deal is ‘over’ Khartoum, Beijing to develop Sudan seaports; Trump bid to lift Turkey CAATSA sanctions faces hurdles; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump says US will lift CAATSA sanctions on Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Trump's F-35 push for Turkey runs into CAATSA — and Israel By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Syrian pistachio farmers watch crops wither as Turks fire on border region Turkish gunfire is preventing pistachio growers in the border areas of Kobani and Manbij from harvesting their crops. Syria
Despite fresh forces, Syrian opposition losing ground in Idlib The Turkish-supported Free Syrian Army is sending more forces from its National Army to shore up the opposition in its fight against Syrian regime troops in Idlib province. Syria
The bitter legacy of Turkey in Afrin Afrinis fear the destruction of religious and historic sites, and ethnic cleansing in Turkish-controlled Afrin is helping in the resurgence of Islamic State and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups. Syria
Ousted HDP mayors react as Erdogan promises judicial action Three dismissed opposition mayors responded as the Turkish president said new judicial actions would address their alleged terror activities in the upcoming parliamentary session. Turkey
Will rancor or realism prevail in Turkish-Israeli ties? While there continues to be a large political gap between Turkey and Israel, economic ties continue to be strong despite the lack of a gas pipeline deal. Israel
Uighurs no longer feel safe in Turkey Despite the brotherhood accorded to them as kinsmen and coreligionists, Uighurs in Turkey increasingly live in fear of deportation to China. Turkey
Pentagon may consider Turkey rejoining F-35 if it ditches Russian missile system Defense Secretary Mark Esper said today that the United States would “consider” letting Turkey back into the F-35 program if it got rid of the Russian S-400 system. Turkey
How cultural war made Ankara an architectural battleground Ankara’s austere and minimalist flavor is a shock to many who are more accustomed to architecture around the Bosphorus, but for local residents, the city's gray buildings are icons from a cherished era. Turkey
Istanbul mayor cuts funding to pro-AKP groups as city spending comes under scrutiny As evidence of controversial spending under AKP officials accumulates in southeast Turkey, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has cut funding for certain state-linked foundations. Turkey
With each Erdogan visit, Ankara grows more indebted to Moscow Russia’s diplomatic, economic and security gains from its ties with Turkey keep growing amid the conflict in Syria, while Ankara becomes increasingly indebted to Moscow. Turkey
Will Putin's 'ice cream diplomacy' with Erdogan help resolve Idlib? In Moscow, ice cream may have been the only thing Erdogan got for free from Putin. Syria
Putin backs US-brokered security zone in Syria during Erdogan's Moscow visit Moscow has put its support behind a US-brokered security zone along the border between Turkey and Syria. Syria