On Friday, June 18, 2025, Türkiye recorded a new all-time European temperature record when the southeastern province of Sirnak reached 50.5 degrees Celsius (122.9 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 48.8 degrees Celsius set in Sicily, Italy, in August 2021. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in 31 Turkish provinces, running 6-12 degrees above seasonal averages. This record is significant because Türkiye contains territory classified within the World Meteorological Organization’s European region. The WMO’s rigorous verification process ensures confidence in global temperature records, and officials warn that greater extremes may occur across Europe in the future.
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In a statement marking the anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Türkiye reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, explicitly rejecting the illegal 2014 annexation as a violation of international law. Ankara highlighted its ongoing monitoring of the situation in Crimea, particularly concerning the plight of the Crimean Tatars, and its commitment to keeping this issue before the international community. This stance underscores Türkiye’s consistent opposition to Russia’s actions in Crimea, which began with the seizure of key administrative buildings and culminated in a widely condemned referendum and annexation.
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Türkiye blocked Israel’s participation in NATO’s “Resilience and Emergency Preparedness” exercise, leveraging its veto power despite initial support from other NATO members. This action stems from ongoing tensions between Türkiye and Israel, exacerbated by the Gaza conflict. A senior Israeli official criticized Türkiye’s use of its veto as a political tool detrimental to regional cooperation and NATO’s effectiveness. This incident highlights the deep rift between the two nations and its impact on NATO activities.
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Following the fall of the Assad regime after a 14-year civil war, Syrian refugees in Türkiye began returning home. Thousands of Syrians flocked to border crossings like Cilvegözü in Hatay, with Turkish authorities implementing measures to manage the influx. The returns followed celebrations in Türkiye marking the regime’s end and were described as voluntary, safe, and dignified by Turkish officials. The Turkish government emphasized its commitment to facilitating these returns and supporting the creation of a democratic and inclusive Syria.
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John Q. Hosedrinker