Latest news in Turkey? September 13th, 2026
13-09-2026
- Nationwide Police Raids on LGBTQ+ Venues: Turkish authorities initiated nationwide operations across 15 provinces (including Istanbul and Ankara) titled “My Family is Safe”. Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed legal action against 162 suspects, multiple organizations, and commercial venues under the government’s “Decade of the Family” initiative, leading to dozens of detentions and police searches targeting LGBTQ+ groups and venues. The Times of Israel
- Criticism of U.S. Arms Decision on Cyprus: The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the United States’ decision to renew its defense export restrictions waiver for the Republic of Cyprus. Ankara stated the waiver undermines regional stability, disrupts the balance between the island’s communities, and affirmed Turkey’s commitment to protect Turkish Cypriot interests. Cyprus Inform+ 1
- Regional Diplomacy with Iran and Iraq: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held high-level phone discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to address regional border security and coordinate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate ongoing Middle Eastern tensions. www.tasnimnews.ir