17:26

ADF 2026

Global leaders gather in Türkiye for Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Global leaders and diplomats gathered in southern Türkiye on 17 April for the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, focusing on uncertainty, conflict, and the future of global cooperation.

21:34

Gaza

At least 47 women and girls killed daily during Gaza war, says UN Women

An average of at least 47 women and girls were killed each day during the war in Gaza, according to new figures released by UN Women.

15:02

Middle Corridor

Türkiye signs World Bank partnership for Middle Corridor Railway financing

Türkiye and the World Bank have signed a new partnership to strengthen Türkiye’s connectivity with Europe, Asia and the Middle East, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, including the creation of 100,000 more worldwide.

10:32

View from Turkiye

Leaders gather in Türkiye to tackle global issues at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026

Antalya is set to become the centre of global diplomacy this week as it hosts the fifth edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), a major international gathering that brings together leaders, policymakers and thinkers from across the world.

18:16

Middle East Conflict

U.S. expands Iran blockade on Iran, warns combat could resume

The United States has expanded its naval blockade on Iran, allowing forces to stop, search and seize vessels suspected of carrying “contraband”, as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned U.S. forces are ready to resume combat if no deal is reached.

15:58

Middle East conflict

Can Iran charge ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran has raised the idea of charging ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing sharp attention due to the waterway’s vital role in global energy supply and the legal questions involved.

13:19

Middle East Conflict

U.S. warns of sanctions on Iranian oil buyers as China urged to halt imports

The U.S. has warned it could impose sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil and expects China to halt purchases as Washington intensifies enforcement of a maritime blockade on Iran.

22:05

Journalist arrest

Kuwait detains U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist amid Gulf crackdown on war-related footage

Kuwaiti authorities have detained U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has not been seen for six weeks, according to a media watchdog, as Gulf states intensify a crackdown on war-related filming and online posts.

19:34

Luxury hotels

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to close for first-ever 18-month refurbishment amid tourism slowdown

Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refurbishment aimed at preserving its status as a global symbol of luxury.

12:07

Israel-Lebanon talks

U.S. hosts rare Israel–Lebanon talks amid deep divisions

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in decades on Tuesday (14 April), though no clear progress towards a peace framework was confirmed.

18:15

View from Türkiye

Türkiye urges diplomacy to reopen Strait of Hormuz as tensions threaten global oil supply and trade stability

Türkiye’s foreign minister has appealed for restraint and diplomacy as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz unsettle global markets, warning that any military attempt to resolve the crisis could deepen instability rather than ease it.

16:51

Middle East conflict

Cautious progress as Iran and U.S. consider resuming Pakistan peace talks

There are cautious signs of progress towards peace, as negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran consider returning to Islamabad later this week to resume talks aimed at ending the Gulf conflict.

18:15

View from Türkiye

Nine suspects arrested over gun attack near Israel’s consulate in Istanbul

Nine suspects have been formally arrested over last week’s gun attack near Israel’s consulate in Istanbul, judicial officials have said. The assault left one attacker dead and two Turkish police officers lightly wounded.

15:43

Crime

French court finds Lafarge guilty of financing ISIS during Syrian civil war

Cement maker Lafarge was found guilty by a French court on Monday (13 April) of paying millions to jihadist groups, including ISIS, to keep a plant running during the Syrian civil war.

15:09

View from Afghanistan

Afghanistan says talks with Pakistan positive as Türkiye backs improved ties

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that talks with Pakistan had been positive, while Türkiye stressed the importance of stronger ties between Kabul and Islamabad.

12:04

Terror attack

Nine suspects arrested over terror attack in Istanbul

Nine suspects were arrested on Saturday (11 April)  in connection with a terror attack targeting a police post in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district.