Latest developments in Türkiye and around the world

What happened in the world?

Iran-Israel conflict:

• G-7 Foreign Ministers Meeting held on April 17-19 in Capri, Italy with the agenda of Iran-Israeli tensions.
• Israel carried out a retaliatory attack on Isfahan, Iran, targeting an air base, with conflicting reports on the extent of damage.
• Small-scale explosions reported in the Isfahan and Tabriz cities of Iran. Iran fired air defense batteries to shoot down three drones over Isfahan.
• The Turkish Foreign Ministry urged stability in the region and warned that these tensions could become a "permanent conflict."
• Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it is looking into reports of the attack and urges all sides to exercise “restraint” to prevent further escalation.
• EU-Türkiye: The European Union held its annual summit in Brussels. European Council President Charles Michel addressed the press after the first day of the summit, saying the union agrees to foster positive and stable relations with Türkiye.
• Türkiye criticized the EU's statement, citing a lack of vision and slow progress on EU membership despite summit discussions while reaffirming its commitment to meeting preconditions.
• United Nations: United States vetoed Palestine’s bid for full U.N. membership. Türkiye deemed the decision "shameful."
• Croatia: The ruling HDZ triumphed in Croatian parliamentary elections but failed to win a majority.
• Libya: Abdoulaye Bathily, who served as the secretary-general's special representative for Libya and led the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), resigned.

What happened in Türkiye?

Diplomacy

• The U.S. Under Secretary of State John Bass visited Ankara on April 15-16 and met senior Turkish government officials to "build on the momentum of the successful March 7-8 meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism in Washington, led by Secretary (of State Antony) Blinken and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.”
• During the visit, bilateral and global issues, including the war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Ukraine, and expanding trade and investment ties, were discussed.
• President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presided over the Cabinet meeting. Discussions focused on Türkiye's economic performance, defense capabilities, and commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Qatar and met with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on April 17.
• President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held a joint press conference in Ankara, where they discussed bilateral ties and the ongoing Middle East situation.

Türkiye

• Turkish air forces eliminated 16 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq under the Claw-Lock operation.
• The name of the 10th Tanker Base Command located at Incirlik changed to the 10th Main Jet Base Command in parallel with the needs of the Turkish Air Forces.
• Anadolu Agency (AA) held the gala screening of the documentary "Evidence," which reveals Israel's war crimes in Gaza.
• Some 268 suspects arrested in simultaneous Narkocelik-12 operations conducted in 41 provinces.
• An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 struck centered in the Sulusaray district of Tokat province on 18 April
• Another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 occurred off the coast of Seferihisar district in Izmir province, in the Aegean Sea on April 19.

What is happening in the world?

• Israel is expected to launch the Rafah assault following the United States' approval.
• Reports of an Israeli attack against Iran have sent Brent crude trading above $90 a barrel amid fears over the potential for a wider conflict before later paring down.
• Many countries, including Egypt, Germany, China, Japan, and the European Union, call for restraint in the region and oppose any actions that further escalate tensions.
• Negotiations between Israel and Hamas over hostage swap and cease-fire in Gaza continue.
• A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council takes place to discuss Ukraine's request for supplies of air defense systems and ammunition.
• China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Indonesia to attend China-Indonesia High-Level Dialogue Cooperation Mechanism.
• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly considering issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The ninth humanitarian ship dispatched from Türkiye to Gaza has arrived at Egypt's El-Arish Port, where 3,774 tons of humanitarian aid materials will be unloaded.

What is happening in Türkiye?

• Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is in the Netherlands for the 10th Wittenburg Conference meeting. Fidan met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is seeking support for each NATO member for the NATO Chief job.
• President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hamas leader Haniyeh will hold talks on April 20 at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul.
• President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Iraq and the Kurdistan Region on April 22, after a hiatus of 12 years.
• Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis plans to visit President Erdogan in Ankara on May 13. Mitsotakis said that Greece’s claim of marine parks in Aegean and Ionian seas are legitimate.
• Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz will attend the Türkiye-Tanzania Business Forum.