Analysis Italy’s TB3 drone deal signals turn toward Turkey amid US-NATO tensions Italy’s expected TB3 drone purchase highlights a rapidly deepening, interest-driven alignment with Turkey on defense and geopolitics. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey confirms Iraq troop withdrawal as NATO pulls back due to Iran war The confirmation of the withdrawal came as part of NATO’s decision to withdraw its forces in its Iraq mission amid Iran war. Turkey
Turkey, UK advance $11B Eurofighter jet deal with training agreement Britain and Turkey signed a training and support agreement marking “the next phase” of Ankara’s entry into the Eurofighter program, building on a £8 billion jet deal signed last year. Turkey
Analysis Trump-Erdogan ties pay off for Turkey in 2025 as Ankara pushes for F-35s Leader-level diplomacy between Ankara and Washington produced selective gains but failed to break the deadlock over defense sanctions imposed for Turkey’s S-400 purchase. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Turkey's defense sector enters 2026 with naval progress — and unresolved vulnerabilities By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Turkey rebuffs air-defense criticism after drone shot down near Ankara By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Five ways Turkey could get back into US F-35 fighter jet program By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iran hosts Afghan government, Taliban for talks Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif celebrated the looming US withdrawal from Afghanistan during the event. Iran
Iraq to enhance cooperation with NATO As Iraq aims to rebuild its security institutions, the cooperation with NATO increases. Iraq
Turkey needs to build support for new Afghan mission Turkey’s offer to secure Kabul’s airport might turn into a perilous mission unless it reaches some understanding with the Taliban and secures the critical support of regional actors such as Pakistan and Iran. Turkey
French foreign minister: Turkey and France have a ‘verbal cease-fire’ Jean-Yves Le Drian told a French TV station there is still a long way to go to improve Turkey-France relations, mentioning Syria, Libya and the eastern Mediterranean. The French and Turkish presidents had a cordial meeting earlier this week. News Brief
Turkish troops to remain at Kabul airport after NATO withdrawal The US president has committed to granting Turkey's requests for support to maintaining troops at Kabul International. Turkey
The Takeaway: Pragmatism is the new watchword in US-Turkey relations Plus: A fresh start for Israel; Iran’s hard-line front-runner on the issues; Egypt’s faltering Palestinian mediation; Saudi-Syria talks; Golani’s makeover. Turkey
Erdogan’s meeting with Biden more spin than substance The two leaders' first meeting as heads of state led to detailed discussions, but there were no breakthroughs. Turkey
At his weakest moment, Erdogan to meet Biden The forthcoming Erdogan-Biden meeting on June 14 comes at a time when Erdogan is experiencing his weakest term in his very long reign. Turkey
Intel: US engages Turkey over Kabul airport security Ankara could leave some troops in Afghanistan if Washington provides support. United States
The Takeaway: US looks to Gulf to help break deadlock in Nile Dam dispute Egypt, Ethiopia reshape security alignments in Horn of Africa; Erdogan readies for make-or-break summit with Biden; Lapid emerges as arbiter of Israeli politics; Israeli Arab community split on coalition government; update on Gaza. Egypt
Turkey’s persistent watering down of anti-Russian language leaves NATO in bind Ankara defends its position on Moscow on the grounds that it has to manage its relationship with its powerful northeastern neighbor. Turkey
With ties with West strained, Turkey gets lifeline from Poland Drawing on his rapport with the Polish president and a landmark drone deal with Warsaw, Erdogan seems to be aiming at two goals — strengthening his hand in NATO and having a close ally within the European Union. Turkey
