AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: Turkish Airlines resumed its Istanbul–Minsk route, landing in Belarus with a ceremonial water-arch welcome and plans for 6–7 flights weekly. Cyprus Diplomacy: TRNC again urged the international community to recognize its sovereign equality and equal international status, rejecting proposals like a rotating presidency over the island. Regional Security: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan said Ankara stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Pact amid Houthi attacks, offering support for “technical” military needs while warning against pulling Riyadh into the US-Iran dispute. Ukraine Talks: A Turkish cabinet source said Ankara expects Ukraine negotiations to resume before the end of 2026 and is ready to host talks in Istanbul. Markets & Economy: Turkey’s fund crisis deepened after a bubble burst at Borsa Istanbul, with authorities moving to liquidate 131 investment funds and freezing savings of hundreds of thousands. Sports: Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick powered Trabzonspor’s 4-0 win over Galatasaray. Earthquake: A magnitude 5 quake hit Adana’s Saimbeyli district; no major damage reported.

Major Fraud Crackdown: Turkish authorities say they dismantled an international forex and crypto scam network, detaining 201 suspects in Istanbul and Muğla, including nine Israeli nationals, with claims of over $3 billion in losses. Israel Links Under Scrutiny: Turkish media reports go further, alleging a “Mossad network,” while officials cite alleged Israel-linked stakes in the companies involved. Regional Defense Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says Türkiye and the U.S. are working on “creative ideas” to resolve the S-400 dispute and lift sanctions, while Türkiye also pushes the Mecca mutual defense pact as a “game-changing” regional platform. Middle East Security: Türkiye signals it can meet Saudi military needs under the Mecca pact amid Houthi attacks, as the U.S. warns escalation risk after a missile strike on Riyadh. Economy & Markets: Turkey moves to calm markets after a fund-liquidity crisis, while reports say it is liquidating investment funds and detaining finance executives. Sports: Trabzonspor thrash Galatasaray 4-0 with Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick; Osimhen is ruled out of AFCON qualifiers due to injury.

Middle East Security: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan says Saudi Arabia should stay out of the Iran-U.S. war, while Ankara is ready to provide technical and possible military support under the Mecca defense pact as Houthis escalate attacks on Riyadh, including a claimed missile strike and smoke near the airport. Diplomacy & Ukraine: Fidan also met a Russian deputy prime minister on Turkish soil and said talks on Ukraine are hard to translate into a durable deal, with Black Sea security and Ankara’s proposals discussed. UN & US Ties: President Erdoğan heads to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, with planned meetings at Türkevi and a focus on Security Council reform and Gaza. Defense Industry: ASELSAN showcased the upgraded SMASH 300 remote weapon station for naval platforms, highlighting AI support and ATOM smart ammunition. Economy/Markets: Turkey is in talks with the US on lifting CAATSA sanctions and resolving the S-400 issue. Sports: Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick powered Trabzonspor’s 4-0 derby win over Galatasaray. Crackdown/Justice: Turkey detained dozens in an alleged Israel-linked forex/crypto fraud network, with prosecutors citing billions in extracted funds.

UN Diplomacy: Erdoğan is set to address the 81st UN General Assembly in New York next week, renewing his push to reform the international system amid conflicts from Palestine and Syria to Russia-Ukraine and Cyprus. Iran Sanctions Pressure: Turkey’s banking regulator revoked Bank Mellat’s Istanbul operating license, citing financial stability as Washington tightens measures on Tehran. Financial Crime Crackdown: Turkish authorities detained 201 people in a probe into an alleged $3B international investment fraud network, with prosecutors alleging Israeli-linked control. Terror-Free Türkiye: Erdoğan said the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process is in its final stretch, claiming progress despite “provocations.” LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Rights groups and European partners condemned Turkey’s raids and detentions under “Ailem Güvende,” with protests reported in Zurich and Geneva. Tech & Consumer Impact: Samsung TV owners in Türkiye reported channel access problems after Türksat’s satellite frequency switch, with complaints about missing TKGS support. Regional Security: Saudi-led Red Sea maritime coalition is moving toward operations, with Turkey among participating countries. Sports: Galatasaray faces Trabzonspor without key players as Osimhen’s AFCON availability remains a club-NFF dispute.

Capital Markets Crackdown: Turkey arrested 20 suspects and put 51 under judicial control over alleged manipulation of the capital market, while also banning 51 people from travel, freezing assets, and blocking 246 social media accounts tied to speculative posts after a sharp Borsa Istanbul selloff. Defense Industry & Diplomacy: Ankara approved a five-year defense cooperation deal with Brazil covering joint R&D, procurement, tech transfer and personnel exchanges, and Aselsan showcased electronic warfare and radar payloads integrated on Bayraktar TB2 drones. Energy Costs: Diesel prices in Türkiye jumped again, pushing pump prices above 100 liras per liter in major cities amid Middle East tensions and elevated global oil prices. Regional Security: Pakistan pledged “physical” support to Saudi Arabia as Houthis escalate attacks, while Turkey condemned deadly attacks in Pakistan. LGBTQ+ Rights: Turkey’s raids and detentions of LGBTQ+ groups and related social media blocks continued to draw international concern. Finance Stability: Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek said liquidation of $18.3bn in funds poses no widespread systemic risk, with regulators monitoring closely.

Justice & Security: Turkey launched coordinated raids on an Israel-linked international forex/crypto fraud network, detaining 175 suspects across Istanbul and Muğla; authorities say victims were lured by multilingual call-centre staff with fake profits, then hit with withdrawal demands for “taxes” and “account freezing,” with funds routed abroad. Diplomacy & Media: Armenia and Türkiye are discussing a memorandum of cooperation between their TV and radio regulators, focusing on expertise exchange and coordination in international forums. Defense Industry: Otokar and Leonardo completed integration and live-fire testing of the TULPAR tracked armoured vehicle with a 120mm HITFACT MkII turret. Regional Cooperation: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Türkiye will hold “Power of Unity – 2026” exercises in Azerbaijan, including land, naval, aviation and drone components. Politics: Turkey’s justice minister hinted at a 2028 election to “re-elect” Erdoğan, pointing to a legal route that could bypass term limits. Infrastructure & Aviation: Erdoğan opened Istanbul Airport’s fourth runway, saying it will boost global connectivity and citing major transport investments.

Markets & Currency: Turkey’s lira slid to a fresh record low near 49.65 per dollar as stocks and government bonds also came under pressure, with investors worried about liquidity after an asset manager missed redemption requests. LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkey detained dozens of journalists and LGBTQ+ activists under obscenity charges and blocked hundreds of social media accounts, drawing renewed criticism from rights groups and European officials. Regional Security: Turkey’s Defense Ministry warned that the ongoing Houthi threat in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab is undermining regional security and global maritime trade. Diplomacy & Defense Pacts: Pakistan reiterated it will implement the “Mecca Agreement” as Houthi attacks escalate, while Turkey and Pakistan continue security talks with regional partners. Black Sea Shipping: Turkey shared a draft plan with Russia and Ukraine to curb attacks on civilian ships, modeled on the 2022 grain deal. Culture & Heritage: Turkey confirmed about 9 km of tunnels beneath Hagia Sophia, with restoration and possible future visitor access under review. Sports: Beşiktaş thrashed Marseille 4-1 in the Europa League opener.

Erdogan’s 2028 path: A senior adviser says President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will seek another term in an early election likely set for April 16, 2028, a move that could sidestep the constitutional term limit. LGBTQ crackdown under scrutiny: European rights envoys and press-freedom groups urged Turkey to respect civil liberties after nationwide raids and detentions targeting LGBTQ+ people and journalists, with court and online access restrictions also drawing condemnation. Organized crime crackdown: Turkish police detained 178 suspects tied to 12 “new generation” organized crime groups across 20 provinces, seizing weapons, ammunition, drugs and cash. Markets and funds: Authorities moved to stem fallout from a stock manipulation probe, detaining a Tera Portföy manager and ordering liquidation of multiple investment funds after a sharp sell-off. Cyprus diplomacy: Cyprus Turkish leader Erhürman will meet UN chief Guterres and his Cyprus envoy separately in New York, with no 3+1 or 5+1 meeting planned. Black Sea shipping: Turkey proposed a deal to protect civilian shipping as attacks around the region continue, while Ukraine reported a Russian drone strike that killed a captain on a civilian vessel. Sports note: Trabzonspor hired Thomas Reis as Mohamed Salah’s new coach, and Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking 30-ball century in India’s T20I win also highlighted Turkey’s own fastest T20I ton mark.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police launched a sweeping “family safety” operation, raiding LGBTQ+ groups, HIV-support venues and journalists’ offices across Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and other cities; rights groups say at least 62 were held on remand and more than 100 detained, while the EU and Council of Europe urged releases. Social Media Rules: The EU is set to unveil proposals to curb addictive features for minors, as more than 20 countries tighten access for under-15/16s. Security Talks: Turkey’s intelligence chief met Afghanistan’s top officials in Kabul, focusing on security cooperation and counternarcotics, including coordination between interior ministries. Defense Tech: Baykar said the Bayraktar AKINCI successfully hit an aerial target with the SUNGUR air-defense missile for the first time during Black Sea tests. Regional Tensions: Turkey and Greece renewed Aegean dispute over island militarization, with Athens rejecting Ankara’s demilitarization demands. Culture & Heritage: Edirne ranked seventh in Türkiye by museum numbers, with 17 operating museums. Humanitarian: Gaza saw a deadly building collapse killing at least 19 as Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a drone aimed toward Mecca.

Middle East Diplomacy: Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan held a phone call with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi as regional tensions stay high, while Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi urged Iran to help dismantle PKK/PJAK and push tighter border and Interpol cooperation. Regional Security: Ankara also condemned a Houthi drone attack targeting Mecca, calling it a threat to stability and urging an end to actions that could escalate tensions. Azerbaijan Ties: Türkiye’s consul general in Nakhchivan, Asip Kaya, ended his term and will leave on Sept. 17. Domestic Rights Crackdown: Police detained dozens in Istanbul during a protest over LGBTQ+ activists jailed after raids; authorities also blocked/restricted online access for rights groups. Defense & Industry: Türkiye is moving into an era of domestically produced aircraft, with Hurkus-II preparing for delivery to the Air Force. Governance & Economy: Turkey ranked 149th of 173 on rule of law in a global democracy report, while Trade Minister Ömer Bolat highlighted Ahilik Week’s role in boosting local trade and employment.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police detained dozens at a pro-LGBTQ protest outside Istanbul’s Çağlayan courthouse, after weekend raids tied to the “My Family Is Safe” campaign; lawyers said 91 arrests by midday and rights groups condemned the crackdown. Public Health: A hematologist said non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates in Türkiye are 25% above the global average, urging people to watch for persistent symptoms like swollen nodes, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Black Sea Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey is stepping up efforts to reconcile positions on Black Sea issues, warning of rising attacks on civilian vessels. Regional Security & Energy: Commentaries and reports highlighted intensifying Houthi pressure around Bab al-Mandeb and Saudi energy infrastructure, with muted Western response and growing market anxiety. Economy & Trade: The US House advanced a Russia sanctions bill that could enable up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, with India and China named. Azerbaijan-Türkiye Ties: Turkey and Azerbaijan pushed strategic cooperation messaging in Baku, including defense and trade themes. Aviation: Reuters reported Boeing is nearing a deal to salvage a Turkish Airlines order for 150 737 MAX jets after a CFM engine dispute.

Turkish-Azerbaijani Ties: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov held expanded talks in Baku, reviewing strategic cooperation across politics, trade, energy, transport, security and humanitarian work, with both sides stressing the “One nation, two states” principle and backing Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization. Baku Liberation Anniversary: Turkey marked the 108th anniversary of Baku’s liberation with events in Türkiye, featuring Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and messages honoring the Caucasian Islamic Army and Ottoman commander Nuri Pasha. Black Sea Security: Fidan warned Russia and Ukraine after a rise in attacks on cargo vessels, noting Azerbaijani and Turkish citizens were among the victims. Turkic World Agenda: Fidan said the 13th OTS summit will be held in Ankara on Oct. 30, preceded by an Oct. 29 foreign ministers’ council meeting. LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Protests outside Istanbul’s Çağlayan courthouse followed raids tied to Erdoğan’s “Decade of the Family and Population,” with reports of 162 detentions nationwide and EU concern. Energy Watch: Russia cut pipeline gas supplies to Turkey by about 10% in Jan–July, while Turkey’s Russian gas imports in July totaled 948 million cubic meters. Istanbul Violence: A shooting at a currency exchange office in Fatih left three dead and one injured; police detained a suspect.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish authorities detained dozens and blocked social media accounts in a nationwide “family safety” operation targeting LGBTQ+ groups and venues, with prosecutors saying the probe aims to protect children and public order. Diplomacy & Syria: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said preparations for President Erdoğan’s Damascus visit were discussed in talks with Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa and other officials, stressing Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. Education: Erdoğan hailed Türkiye’s PISA 2025 gains, saying the country is the only one to improve across reading, writing and science, citing OECD results. Greece-Turkey Tensions: Ankara rejected Greek officials’ Anatolia remarks, calling them baseless and urging “common sense.” Regional Rivalry: A new analysis says Israel–Turkey ties are entering a dangerous strategic phase as disputes over Gaza expand into competition over influence in post-Assad Syria. Sanctions Watch: The US imposed fresh sanctions on Russia’s VTB Bank over alleged Iran-related financial links, warning of secondary penalties for foreign partners. Space Milestone: Türkiye completed production of its first homegrown lunar spacecraft for testing ahead of a 2027 mission.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police and prosecutors carried out nationwide raids on LGBTQ+ groups and venues, detaining dozens across multiple provinces, while courts also ordered blocks of dozens of X accounts tied to rights groups and activists. Education & Security: Türkiye kicked off the new school year with heightened security checks after earlier deadly school attacks, as nearly 17 million students returned to classrooms. PISA Push: President Erdoğan said Türkiye improved by 50% across all PISA domains in 2025, framing it as proof of a “self-improving” generation. Defense & Tech: Roketsan test-fired the Sungur missile from the Burç mobile air defense system, and KKB expanded its collaboration with IBM on data management and AI. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Turkish and Azerbaijani officials discussed boosting cooperation in media, communications and strategic messaging. Economy & Trade: Türkiye’s exports to Armenia reached about $1.336 million since the start of the year, while exports to Azerbaijan topped $1.542 billion in Jan-Aug. Archaeology: Excavations in İzmir unearthed a 5,000-year-old stone drainage network and “workshop-houses,” pointing to advanced early Bronze Age planning.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police launched nationwide raids on LGBTQ+ groups, gay bars and activists’ homes across major cities, detaining dozens (at least 63 reported) as prosecutors opened investigations into 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses under a “My Family is Safe” framework. Syria Talks: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Syrian counterparts in Damascus and warned that Israel is the “biggest obstacle” to Syria’s development, while Ankara and Damascus discussed a high-level joint committee covering politics, security, energy, education and refugee returns. Ukraine Diplomacy: Turkey said Istanbul remains a suitable venue for dialogue on the Ukraine conflict, arguing negotiations are the only path forward. Sports—Galatasaray: Galatasaray beat Kocaelispor 1-0 to keep their Super Lig lead, with Abdülkerim Bardakci scoring the winner. Travel Safety: Turkish Airlines flights faced severe turbulence and storm conditions, with passengers reporting terrifying landing attempts and diversions. Energy/Trade: Iraq said September oil exports are about 3m bpd, aiming to boost pipeline capacity via Syria and Turkey’s Ceyhan port by over 1m bpd.

Syria-Turkey Talks: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Syria’s transitional foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus, discussing security, trade and energy, with Ankara pushing for Kurdish formations’ integration into the Syrian army and stressing Israel’s withdrawal and the 1974 disengagement framework. Erdoğan’s Syria Trip: Fidan said President Erdoğan’s visit to Syria is planned “for the near future,” with a high-level group already preparing the groundwork. Defense Update: The Turkish Navy tested new ROKETSAN missiles on SeaHawk helicopters off Antalya, including L-UMTAS GM and IIR TEMREN, expanding strike and drone/heli-targeting capabilities. LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police launched raids across major cities, detaining dozens and targeting LGBTQ+ associations under the “My Family is Safe” campaign, with prosecutors citing “obscenity” allegations and child-protection claims. Aviation Incident: Turkish Airlines flights faced storm-linked turbulence and multiple landing attempts near Tunisia, with passengers describing terrifying “plummet” moments before a diversion. AI Governance at BRICS: UN chief Guterres warned at BRICS that unequal AI access could widen gaps in income, opportunity and sovereignty.