Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Washington on March 25-26, 2025, marking the first official visit under Trump’s new administration.

• March 25-26, 2025: First high-level visit under the Trump administration.
• Talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on strategic cooperation, Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.
• Key agenda: CAATSA sanctions removal, F-35 program re-entry, and deepening defense ties.
• Türkiye pushes for stronger anti-terror coordination on PKK/YPG, FETÖ, and ISIS.

• Goal: Expand trade volume to $100B, resolve defense procurement barriers.

Israeli Foreign Minister:

The war will stop tomorrow if Hamas gives up its weapons and releases the hostages.

Israeli Foreign Minister:

We are not obligated to allow aid into Gaza if Hamas benefits from it.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas:

We see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

NEW: Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 21 Palestinians, local health authorities said on Monday, as Israeli forces operated in Rafah near the border with Egypt, escalating a new week-long aerial and ground attacks.

NEW: Egypt proposed a new Gaza ceasefire plan last week, security sources told Reuters.

The plan calls for Hamas to release 5 Israeli hostages weekly, with Israel beginning the second phase of the deal after the first week.

Ukrainian soldier, out of grenades, shows ingenuity—fueled by adrenaline, hurls his own helmet at Russian soldier during trench battle.

Mistaking it for an explosive, Russian soldier panics, retreats, and is immediately caught in automatic gunfire.

The U.S. delegation, led by Usha Vance (wife of VP JD Vance), includes Mike Waltz and Chris Wright.

Their visit (Thursday–Saturday) features a trip to Pituffik space base, meetings with U.S. troops, and a national dogsled race.

Outgoing PM Mute Egede condemned it as a “provocation”, stating:

“We could trust the Americans… But that time is over.”

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the newly elected Democrats party, also criticized the timing, calling it “disrespectful” to Greenland.

The White House dismissed concerns, calling it a chance to “build partnerships” and show “respect for Greenland’s self-determination.”

Usha Vance defended the trip as a celebration of cooperation.

Angola will step down as mediator in the Rwanda-backed rebel conflict in eastern Congo.

Another African state will take over peace efforts.

Planned talks in Luanda collapsed after M23 withdrew following EU sanctions on the group and Rwandan officials.

Israel's internal intelligence Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to Netenyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

Yesterday, you accused me of treason.

Today, you're threatening to send me to prison.

Tomorrow, you'll threaten to execute me.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

We will not negotiate directly with the U.S. under maximum pressure and threats.

We will not change our policy unless the other side shifts its approach toward us.

The door for indirect negotiations with Washington remains open, and we have multiple channels to conduct them.

We will not engage in direct talks with Washington amid accusations and unreasonable demands.

France Targets Canada, Portugal for Rafale Sales Amid F-35 Concerns

French defense firm Dassault Aviation is preparing to offer Rafale fighter jets to countries delaying F-35A purchases, particularly Canada and Portugal.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier told Le Journal du Dimanche that the company is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to supply Rafales to nations opting out of the F-35 program.

While Portugal has not yet approached France, Trappier expects a potential request in the coming weeks or months.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to NYT:

My job is to keep the left pro-Israel.

Video reportedly shows a Ukrainian F-16 jet engaging a target with an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile.

BIG: UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed conveyed a U.S. ultimatum to Egypt: Accept 500,000–700,000 Palestinians from Gaza or risk losing billions in aid.

Egyptian sources told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed this is the “last opportunity,” warning of potential U.S. funding cuts if refused.

Senator Bernie Sanders:

Trump wants to continue the horrific Biden policy of getting more money to Netenyahu to destroy Palestinian people.

We are going to bring legislation to the floor very shortly that says not a NICKEL more for Netanyahu.

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in Primorye today.

The pilot ejected safely.

Jordan has proposed exiling 3,000 Hamas members from Gaza to end the Israeli war.

The plan includes disarmament and a transfer of control to the Palestinian Authority.

Jordan’s foreign ministry did not respond to MEE’s request for comment.

Source: Middle East Eye

Details of Corruption Investigation in Türkiye

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been taken into custody following a prosecutor’s decision citing “strong suspicion” and escape risk under the Turkish Penal Code.

The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct and corruption within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

Authorities have outlined the charges against İmamoğlu and his associates as follows:
• Illegal recording of personal data
• Bribery and abuse of public office
• Bid rigging in public tenders
• Forming a criminal organization
• Aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization
• Leading a criminal organization
• Fraud
• Issuing false invoices
• Engaging in fraudulent contracts
• Pressuring business figures
• Irregular procurement practices

Further legal proceedings and political reactions are expected in the coming days.