Senior officials from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus are reportedly discussing the formation of a joint rapid-response military force. This initiative, comprising approximately 2,500 troops, aims to deter Turkey's military activities and safeguard critical energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean, enhancing regional security cooperation.
Political parties within the Turkish Grand National Assembly have agreed to form a drafting team to prepare a joint report on national solidarity, expected to be submitted after the New Year. The initiative aims to address broader political and social issues.
A delegation from the European Committee of the Regions, led by Jelena Drenjanin, visited Istanbul on December 16, 2025, calling for the immediate release of 28 arrested Turkish mayors and an end to pressure on opposition municipalities. The CoR emphasized the critical importance of local democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.
Turkish financial authorities are weighing a significant increase in the minimum wealth requirement for retail investors seeking access to hedge funds, from 1 million to 10 million liras. The proposal aims to protect smaller investors from volatile strategies following recent market turbulence and a liquidity crisis.
The New York County District Attorney's Office recently returned 43 classical-era ancient artifacts, valued at over $2.5 million, to Turkey. The repatriated items include a marble head of Demosthenes, a 'Nude Emperor' statue, and 41 terracotta plaques, recovered through extensive investigations into illicit trafficking, significantly enhancing Turkey's cultural tourism.
Archaeologists in Iznik, Turkey, have unearthed a rare 3rd-century fresco depicting Jesus as the 'Good Shepherd' in an underground tomb at the Hisardere Necropolis. This significant find offers unique insights into early Christian art and the transition from paganism in Anatolia.
A Panama-flagged ferry, the M/V CENK T, operated by a Turkish company, was damaged in a Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's Chornomorsk Port on December 12, 2025. The incident, which caused a fire but no casualties on board, prompted strong concerns from Ankara regarding Black Sea maritime security, coming hours after Turkish President Erdogan discussed the issue with Russian President Putin.
A coalition of United Nations special rapporteurs has accused the Turkish government of systematically criminalizing young women and children through broad counterterrorism operations. The UN experts cited the use of secret evidence and coerced interrogations, particularly targeting individuals perceived to be linked to the Gülen movement, in raids conducted in 2024 and 2025.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is visiting Turkmenistan on December 11-12, 2025, to participate in the International Peace and Security Forum in Ashgabat. The visit will also include bilateral meetings focused on strengthening ties, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.
Europe's top human rights court has faulted Turkey for jailing former Kurdistan Workers' Party fighter Ayhan Aykaç based on a confession given without a lawyer present, deeming it a violation of his right to a fair trial. The ruling highlights the critical importance of legal assistance during initial interrogations.
Turkey has extended congratulations to the Syrian people on the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall on December 8, 2024. Ankara reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Syria's stability, security, and prosperity as the nation navigates its post-Assad transition under an interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Turkey is in advanced talks with Pakistan to establish a combat drone assembly facility, a move aimed at significantly boosting Ankara's defense exports and enhancing Pakistan's indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The discussions, which have progressed since October, involve the potential assembly of advanced Turkish-made drones on Pakistani soil.
A deadly bus crash in Turkey's southeastern Osmaniye province on Saturday, December 6, 2025, claimed the lives of seven people and injured eleven others. An intercity bus rear-ended a stationary truck on the Adana-Gaziantep highway.
Turkish singer Aydin Aydin is under official investigation after he filmed himself breaking his traditional instrument, a saz, on the 2,100-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Nemrut. The act was a protest against artificial intelligence's impact on the music industry, sparking widespread criticism and a probe into potential damage to ancient monuments.
Turkey's defense and aerospace industry has set a new export record, reaching $7.4 billion in the first eleven months of 2025. This marks a 30% increase year-on-year, driven by strong international demand for Turkish-made drones, armored vehicles, and other advanced systems, surpassing previous annual figures.
Turkish labor unions are advocating for a significant increase in the 2026 minimum wage, citing high inflation and eroded purchasing power. Major confederations DİSK, Türk-İş, and Hak-İş are pushing for a 'humane life' wage, with some boycotting the official determination commission over its structure.
The Russian-flagged tanker Midvolga 2, carrying sunflower oil from Russia to Georgia, was attacked by a drone in the Black Sea, approximately 80 nautical miles off the Turkish coast. Turkish authorities reported minor damage and no injuries to the 13 crew members. The incident follows recent attacks on other vessels, intensifying concerns over Black Sea commercial shipping safety.
Turkey sharply cut its imports of Russian Urals crude oil in November, with shipments falling by 100,000 barrels per day from October levels. This reduction, driven by tightening Western sanctions, including new U.S. restrictions on Russian oil majors, has led Turkish refineries to increase imports of alternative grades such as Kazakh CPC Blend and Iraqi Basrah crude.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met in Tehran on November 30, 2025, to discuss the Gaza situation, regional stability, and strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and counterterrorism. Both ministers called for coordinated action to address regional challenges and condemned Israeli expansionist policies.
Turkish authorities are investigating alleged 'external interference' after two Russian-linked 'shadow fleet' oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, were struck in the Black Sea. The incidents, which caused a fire and explosions, prompted large-scale rescue operations, with all 45 crew members reported safe. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the strikes.
