30 April Briefing
SIPRI data placed Turkish military expenditure at $30 billion in 2025 — exceeding the combined defence spending of Greece, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Armenia, Georgia and other nearby states (roughly $24-25 billion). Turkish spending rose 7.2 percent in real terms from 2024 and is up 94 percent over the past decade, against a global rise of 41 percent; Turkey ranked 18th globally with a 1.9-percent military burden of GDP, with domestic procurement at 22 percent.
Top Stories
Iran war pushes Gulf monarchies to diversify away from Washington as Sunni-axis talk grows
The US-Israeli war on Iran is driving the Gulf oil monarchies to diversify their strategic partnerships, weighing closer ties with regional middle powers and China while their trust in the United States as security guarantor weakens. Saudi Arabia is working more closely with Pakistan, Qatar is leaning on Turkey as a bridge to Europe, and Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa has visited the Gulf to position himself as a partner against Iran.
Turkey's military spending reached $30 billion in 2025, exceeding combined budgets of neighboring countries
Turkey's military expenditure hit $30 billion in 2025, surpassing the combined defense budgets of Greece, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Armenia, Georgia and other nearby states, according to SIPRI data. The 7.2% real-term increase from 2024 reflects a decade-long 94% growth, outpacing the global average of 41%.
Israeli navy intercepts Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters
The Israeli navy intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete late Wednesday, jamming communications and cutting contact with 11 boats, the flotilla said. Türkiye and Spain called for a unified international stance against what they termed an illegal intervention.
All Events
Every other event tracked in Turkey, with a one-line preview.
tr35Erdoğan and Bahçeli discuss terror-free initiative and Iran tensions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli in Ankara on April 30, 2026, for approximately 50 minutes at the Presidential Complex. The meeting aimed to coordinate on the 'terror-free Türkiye' initiative, including potential legislative steps to be brought before Parliament, and to address escalating regional tensions related to Iran, focusing on impacts on Türkiye's border security and possible national measures. The discussion underscored the alliance's unified approach to domestic security and foreign policy challenges.
Show summaryHide
Erdoğan and Bahçeli discuss terror-free initiative and Iran tensions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli in Ankara on April 30, 2026, for approximately 50 minutes at the Presidential Complex. The meeting aimed to coordinate on the 'terror-free Türkiye' initiative, including potential legislative steps to be brought before Parliament, and to address escalating regional tensions related to Iran, focusing on impacts on Türkiye's border security and possible national measures. The discussion underscored the alliance's unified approach to domestic security and foreign policy challenges.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli in Ankara on April 30, 2026, for approximately 50 minutes at the Presidential Complex. The meeting aimed to coordinate on the 'terror-free Türkiye' initiative, including potential legislative steps to be brought before Parliament, and to address escalating regional tensions related to Iran, focusing on impacts on Türkiye's border security and possible national measures. The discussion underscored the alliance's unified approach to domestic security and foreign policy challenges.
tr33Turkey and Greece Discuss Israeli Attack on Gaza Aid Flotilla
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Gerapetritis discussed Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound aid mission, during a phone call on April 30, 2026. The conversation highlighted growing international concern over humanitarian access to Gaza and the regional implications of the incident. No further details on follow-up steps were disclosed.
Show summaryHide
Turkey and Greece Discuss Israeli Attack on Gaza Aid Flotilla
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Gerapetritis discussed Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound aid mission, during a phone call on April 30, 2026. The conversation highlighted growing international concern over humanitarian access to Gaza and the regional implications of the incident. No further details on follow-up steps were disclosed.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Gerapetritis discussed Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound aid mission, during a phone call on April 30, 2026. The conversation highlighted growing international concern over humanitarian access to Gaza and the regional implications of the incident. No further details on follow-up steps were disclosed.