Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan escalated his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comparing him to Hitler and stating that those following in Hitler's footsteps will end like all tyrants. Speaking at a Red Crescent event in Ankara, Erdoğan called on the world to hold the Netanyahu administration accountable for crimes, describing Israel as a 'factory producing instability and chaos.' He also highlighted the Red Crescent's delivery of over 26,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza and 15 million meals since October 7, 2023. Netanyahu responded on social media, claiming Israel's moral superiority over Turkey. Türkiye, a party to the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, has cut all ties with Israel since 2023.

Israeli lawmaker Ariel Kellner (Likud) declared Turkey an 'enemy state' in a radio interview, accusing President Erdogan of seeking to restore the Islamic caliphate and calling him a dangerous threat to Israel and the West. This escalation follows Erdogan's condemnation of Israeli military actions in Syria and Lebanon, and Netanyahu's labeling of Erdogan as an 'antisemitic dictator'. The dispute reflects deepening geopolitical rifts over the Gaza war and influence in Syria, with implications for regional stability and US-Turkey relations. US President Trump praised Erdogan as a friend. The escalation includes previous calls by Israeli minister Miki Zohar to treat Turkey as an enemy state, amid ongoing tensions over Gaza and Syria.

Background: Turkey has expressed confidence in Pakistan-mediated US-Iran talks and offered potential participation in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz post-agreement. On June 11, 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking in Sofia alongside Bulgarian counterpart Velislava Petrova-Chamova, urged the US and Iran to cease mutual attacks and return to negotiations to finalize a peace text. He expressed concern over renewed US strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian retaliation, which threaten the April ceasefire. Fidan also discussed Black Sea security, EU-Turkey relations, and bilateral cooperation with Bulgaria.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will unveil Türkiye's new artificial intelligence road map on June 13 in Istanbul, outlining a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen the country's position in the global AI sector. The plan, prepared under the presidency, focuses on infrastructure development, human capital, and industrial innovation, including high-capacity data centers, AI workforce training, support for domestic tech startups, and advancement of Türkiye's own large language models. AI applications in public services, defense, healthcare, and education are also key components. The road map is expected to coordinate public and private sector investments and serve as a foundation for Türkiye's future digital economy strategy.

Turkish defense industry chief Haluk Gorgun met with Polish Deputy PM and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw to discuss deepening defense industry cooperation. Talks focused on unmanned systems, including Bayraktar UAVs, technology transfer, operational experience sharing, and mutual investments. Both sides aim to strengthen their strategic partnership within NATO.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova reaffirmed plans for a new border crossing north of Kapikule, Europe's busiest border gate. They also discussed energy cooperation, with Turkish Petroleum set to begin exploration in Bulgaria's Han Tervel block. Fidan urged the US and Iran to halt attacks and return to negotiations, warning that escalation benefits no one.

Background: Turkey has long opposed Greek Cypriot military alliances, particularly a Status of Forces Agreement with France, viewing them as threats to Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and regional stability. Today: Turkey's Ministry of National Defense reiterated President Erdogan's criticism, condemning the French SOFA as a provocation that ignores Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and violates the 1960 Cyprus treaties, while denying harassment claims and accusing Greece and Greek Cypriots of violating TRNC airspace. President Erdogan named Israel as a destabilizing force and warned against adventures in the Eastern Mediterranean. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met his Greek counterpart in Sofia, urging Greece to avoid steps harming regional stability, and discussed Turkey's draft 'Blue Homeland' maritime jurisdiction law, which Greece reportedly considers a provocation.

Turkey's Industry and Technology Ministry confirmed that the investment agreement with Chinese EV maker BYD, including obligations and guarantees, remains valid. This follows BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li stating the factory in Turkey is on hold. The ministry had suspended BYD's access to incentives earlier in 2026 due to lack of progress. Land allocation in Manisa had been completed after payment, but the investment has not progressed as planned. The situation highlights challenges in foreign direct investment and Turkey's industrial policy.