Latest News from Turkey

📅March 26, 2026 at 1:00 AM
🌍TR
Turkey signs major Eurofighter training deal with UK, Erdoğan calls for regional unity amid Iran-Israel-US conflict escalation, and press freedom concerns emerge.
1

Turkey and UK Sign Multibillion-Dollar Eurofighter Training and Support Deal

Turkey's Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and UK Defence Secretary John Healey signed a training and support agreement in London on March 25 for Turkey's order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon warplanesSource 3. BAE Systems will provide spares, support equipment, high-fidelity simulators, and technical support for an initial three-year period, with the support contract valued at up to £2.6 billion ($3.5 billion)Source 3. The Royal Air Force will train 10 Turkish instructor pilots and nearly 100 maintenance technicians to enable independent Turkish operationsSource 3.

2

Erdoğan Warns Iran Conflict Has Become Global Crisis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that the conflict in Iran is no longer regional but a global crisis, blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for escalationSource 4. Erdoğan called for regional unity among Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and Persians while warning that diplomatic solutions are at risk if the crisis escalates furtherSource 4. He positioned Turkey as a stabilizing force and called for immediate international action to stop what he described as a 'network of violence'Source 4.

3

Erdoğan Criticizes Israel's Maximalist Approach in Iran Conflict

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly criticized Israel's 'maximalist' approach toward the Iran conflict, warning that it could derail diplomatic solutionsSource 4. He stated that eight billion people are bearing the consequences of the escalating war and called on nations to act before the crisis spirals further out of controlSource 4.

4

Turkish Defense Minister Completes UK Visit with Eurofighter Agreement

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler completed an official visit to the United Kingdom where he signed the technical and logistical agreement for maintenance and operation of Eurofighter Typhoon jetsSource 7. The agreement focuses on technical and logistical support for the aircraft under the Eurofighter Typhoon ProjectSource 7.

5

Iran Denies Ongoing Negotiations with United States

Iran has publicly rejected claims by the United States regarding diplomatic talks or mediation efforts, dismissing them as falseSource 8. A senior Iranian military spokesperson mocked the U.S. position, saying Washington is essentially 'negotiating with itself,' even as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed discussions aimed at ending the war had been productiveSource 8. Regional intermediaries including Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt continue efforts to communicate possible ceasefire frameworksSource 8.

6

Iran-Israel-US Conflict Enters Day 26 with Intensifying Tensions

The Iran-Israel-United States conflict has entered its 26th day, with tensions intensifying across the Middle East as all parties continue military strikes and deploymentsSource 10. Reports indicate Israel has struck Tehran, while Iran denies diplomatic talks and sets conditions for ending the war, including sovereignty over the Strait of HormuzSource 10. Global energy markets remain volatile, with crude oil prices fluctuating and potential IEA emergency reserves releaseSource 10.

7

Trump Proposes 15-Point Ceasefire Plan Amid Regional Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan amid the escalating Iran-Israel-US conflictSource 10. Possible mediation by Turkey is being considered, though Russia has received no confirmation of the plan's progressSource 10. Gulf states have warned the UN that Iranian strikes pose an existential threatSource 10.

8

Turkey Emerges as Potential Mediator in Iran-US Conflict

Turkey is being considered as a potential mediator in the Iran-US conflict alongside other regional intermediaries like Pakistan and EgyptSource 8. Despite Iran's public rejection of negotiations with the U.S., Turkey continues diplomatic efforts to communicate possible ceasefire frameworksSource 8.

9

UK Deepens Military Ties with Turkey Through Eurofighter Deal

The UK has significantly deepened military ties with Turkey through the multibillion-dollar Eurofighter training and support agreement signed on March 25Source 1. The introduction of advanced Eurofighter Typhoons will boost Turkey's military capabilities and confidence in the Eastern MediterraneanSource 1.

10

Iranian President Praises Turkey's Stance on Iran-Israel Conflict

Iranian President Masoud Pezhakian praised Turkish President Erdoğan's stance on the Iran-Israel conflict, describing Turkey as a brotherly nation standing in solidarity with the Islamic UmmahSource 4. Pezhakian's comments reflect alignment with Turkey's positioning as a regional stabilizing force during the ongoing crisisSource 4.

11

Turkish Bar Associations and Press Groups Condemn Journalist Arrests

Turkish bar associations and press freedom groups have condemned the arrest of journalists Alican Uludağ and İsmail Arı, warning that their jailing poses concernsSource 5. The arrests have raised alarm among organizations focused on press freedom in TurkeySource 5.