> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://middlepowers.fyi/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Near East and South Asia

> Week of February 23, 2026

## Regional Summary

**The Diplomacy of Ducking**

Iranian missiles and drones struck Saudi and Emirati soil this week. Israel and Iran exchanged fire. Every government caught in the middle responded not by choosing sides but by strengthening its network of hedged relationships. Multi-alignment — the art of keeping options open with everyone — has become the scaffolding that holds middle powers upright, tested under live fire and still standing.

Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince, lobbied Donald Trump in several calls to strike Iran while Saudi statements called for diplomatic solutions. His double game makes sense: he wants American firepower without appearing to have summoned it, keeping his standing with Gulf neighbours and leaving room to re-engage Iran later. Drones shut the Ras Tanura refinery — which processes 550,000 barrels a day — despite billions in defence spending, highlighting his bind. Mr bin Salman cannot defend his kingdom alone, yet cannot afford to look like Washington's client. So he plays both hands, a trick that works only as long as neither audience compares notes.

The UAE closed its embassy in Tehran for the first time since independence — a step that would once have meant decisive rupture. Yet while Mohammed bin Zayed, the president, condemned the strikes, he convened Gulf partners rather than acting alone, and the country's technology sector barely paused. G42 unveiled a sovereign financial cloud platform and semiconductor governance structure that won White House praise — projects that depend on American trust. The embassy closure was punishment enough to satisfy domestic anger without ruling out future re-engagement with Iran. The Emiratis slammed a door they know has a handle on both sides.

Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Knesset this week — a first for an Indian prime minister — as Iranian missiles fell on Israeli and Gulf targets. Yet his foreign minister called Tehran. Mr Modi chaired a security meeting to assess threats to Indian nationals, hosted Mark Carney, Canada's former central bank governor, to repair a separate diplomatic breach, and oversaw military exercises rehearsing lessons from a recent border standoff. India will deepen defence ties with Israel, maintain energy links with Iran, mend relations with Canada and reduce dependence on American trade, treating each relationship as a separate ledger. The approach works until the ledgers collide — a risk that grows with every regional flare-up.

Turkey turned the crisis into a showcase for its own importance. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan telephoned Gulf royals and the European Commission president; his foreign minister spoke to counterparts from at least eleven countries. At home, the government filed fresh charges against Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul's imprisoned mayor, while advancing a Kurdish peace process designed to win votes for constitutional change — domestic moves that require a stable external environment. Mr Erdoğan needs to be seen as a mediator abroad because his domestic control depends on a region that does not force him to pick sides.

The week exposed not the fragility of multi-alignment but its deepening roots. Each government absorbed a shock — missiles, diplomatic ruptures, regional escalation — and responded by strengthening, not abandoning, its network of balanced bets. The risk is not that this structure collapses under a single blow but that its success encourages greater brinkmanship from aggressors who calculate, correctly, that no coalition of fence-sitters will unite against them.

## Country Summaries

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/sa.svg" alt="Saudi Arabia flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Saudi Arabia

Iran struck Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones this week, forcing the shutdown of a major refinery and exposing gaps in the kingdom's air defenses despite years of military investment.

The attacks targeted oil infrastructure across the kingdom, including the Ras Tanura refinery, which processes 550,000 barrels per day. Iranian drones penetrated Saudi air defenses and forced the facility to close as a precaution, though only minor fires broke out. The successful strike on critical energy infrastructure showed that Saudi Arabia remains vulnerable to the same type of attack that hit the Abqaiq plant in 2019.

Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince, called regional leaders including the emirs of Kuwait and Qatar to coordinate a response. Donald Trump offered full US support and condemned the strikes as violations that threatened regional stability. The coordinated response with Washington and Gulf partners confirmed that Saudi Arabia's main security ties remain with the United States.

Yet the attacks also revealed how Saudi Arabia's careful balancing act works. The Washington Post reported that Mr bin Salman privately urged Mr Trump to strike Iran in multiple phone calls, even as Riyadh publicly supported diplomatic solutions. The crown prince reportedly warned that Iran would become more dangerous without decisive American military action, while his brother Khalid bin Salman, the defence minister, carried similar messages to Washington.

This private-public split allows Saudi Arabia to keep juggling — accepting US security guarantees while avoiding the appearance of pushing for regional war. The Iranian strikes tested this approach severely, but the kingdom's response suggests the strategy remains intact.

Beyond the crisis, Saudi Arabia continued its economic diversification. Saudi Aramco started production at the Jafurah gas field, the Middle East's largest unconventional gas project, and opened the Tanajib gas plant. The project should increase gas production by 80% by 2030 and generate up to \$15 billion in cash flow. The gas will meet domestic demand and free up more crude oil for export.

The Public Investment Fund also injected another \$267 million into LIV Golf, bringing total investment to \$5.3 billion since 2021. The fund spends about \$100 million per month on the golf league and could exceed \$6 billion by year-end. The continued investment shows Saudi commitment to sports and entertainment as part of Vision 2030, despite fiscal pressures elsewhere.

At home, life went on. King Salman marked Saudi Founding Day with celebrations across the kingdom, saying the state was founded on justice and unification. Regional leaders sent congratulations highlighting Saudi Arabia's global standing, and the events drew locals, residents, and tourists.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Iran launches retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabia and Gulf states following US-Israeli attacks** — Iran struck Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states with missiles and drones in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Saudi Arabia confirmed attacks on Riyadh and eastern regions, with MBS conducting urgent phone calls with regional leaders and Trump offering US support. *([english.alarabiya.net](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5246074-crown-prince-receives-phone-call-us-president-condemning-missile-attacks-against-saudi))*
  * **Saudi Aramco halts LPG exports from Juaymah terminal after infrastructure damage** — Saudi Aramco suspended LPG exports from its Juaymah facility after structural damage to the delivery system carrying propane and butane. The company declared force majeure on shipments, with deliveries cancelled for several weeks starting February 23. *([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/02/26/saudi-aramco-halts-juaymah-lpg-exports-after-system-damage/))*
  * **King Salman celebrates Saudi Founding Day with emphasis on justice and unification** — King Salman praised Saudi Arabia's history and achievements during Founding Day celebrations on February 22, emphasising that the kingdom was founded on justice and unification under one banner. The celebration received congratulations from regional leaders including King Mohammed VI of Morocco. *([arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2634025/saudi-arabia))*
  * **Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Egyptian President Sisi during Ramadan visit** — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for talks in Jeddah during a fraternal visit. They discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and the President congratulated the Crown Prince on Saudi Founding Day, with meetings focusing on strengthening strategic alliance. *([egyptianstreets.com](https://egyptianstreets.com/2026/02/24/president-abdel-fattah-al-sisi-and-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-strengthen-ties-during-ramadan-visit))*
  * **NEOM project faces scaling back amid budget constraints** — Saudi Arabia's NEOM megaproject faces significant scaling back, with the 2029 Asian Winter Games at Trojena cancelled and timelines stretched. Reports indicate the ambitious \$500 billion project is being reviewed amid tighter fiscal conditions, with some sub-projects suspended or modified. *([houseofsaud.com](https://houseofsaud.com/neom-2026-the-line-saudi-arabia-status-update/))*
  * **Saudi Arabia announces \$347 million financial support package for Yemen** — Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman announced new financial support worth \$347 million to Yemen for government employee salaries and budget relief. The aid reflects ongoing Saudi support to the Yemeni economy during the country's challenging circumstances. *([english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5245332-saudi-arabia-provides-yemen-347-million-pay-govt-employee-salaries%C2%A0))*
  * **Saudi Arabia reports widened budget deficit in Q4 2025** — Saudi Arabia's budget deficit increased to 94.85 billion riyals (\$25.28 billion) in Q4 2025, up from 88.5 billion riyals in the previous quarter. The widening deficit reflects continued expansionary fiscal policy to support Vision 2030 economic diversification amid oil price volatility. *([reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-posts-deficit-2528-billion-q4-2025-finance-ministry-says-2026-02-23))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Iran launches retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabia and Gulf states following US-Israeli attacks" type="February 27 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (23)">
      * [US stands with Saudi Arabia after Iranian strikes, Trump tells MBS — english.alarabiya.net](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2026/03/01/us-stands-with-saudi-arabia-after-iranian-strikes-trump-tells-mbs)
      * [Crown Prince Receives Phone Call from US President Condemning Missile Attacks against Saudi Arabia — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5246074-crown-prince-receives-phone-call-us-president-condemning-missile-attacks-against-saudi)
      * [Crown prince speaks with regional leaders about Iranian aggression — arabnews.com](https://arabnews.com/node/2634786/saudi-arabia)
      * [MBS speaks to leaders of UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan following Iran attacks — english.alarabiya.net](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2026/02/28/mbs-discusses-regional-developments-on-call-with-kuwait-qatar-emirs)
      * [King Salman approves hosting stranded GCC citizens at Saudi airports — saudigazette.com.sa](https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/659293)
      * [Saudi confirms Iran attacked Riyadh, Foreign Ministry says — newsnationnow.com](https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/saudi-confirms-iran-attacked-riyadh-foreign-ministry-says/)
      * [Joint Statement on Iran's Missile and Drone Attacks in the Region — state.gov](https://state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/03/joint-statement-on-irans-missile-and-drone-attacks-in-the-region)
      * [Saudi Arabia summons Iran ambassador over Gulf attacks, foreign ministry says — timesofisrael.com](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/saudi-summons-iran-ambassador-over-gulf-attacks-foreign-ministry-says/)
      * [SECURITY ALERT: Exercise Increased Caution in Saudi Arabia (February 28, 2026) — sa.usembassy.gov](https://sa.usembassy.gov/exercise-increased-caution-in-saudi-arabia-february-28-2026)
      * [Satellite images show more aircraft at Saudi airbase used by US forces — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/satellite-images-show-more-aircraft-saudi-airbase-used-by-us-forces-2026-02-27)
      * [Saudi, Afghan foreign ministers discuss regional stability amid Pakistan border tensions — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-afghan-foreign-ministers-discuss-regional-stability-amid-pakistan-border-tensions/3842484)
      * [Ministry of Defense announces successful interception of second wave of attacks on the country — gulf-times.com](https://gulf-times.com/article/721469/qatar/ministry-of-defense-announces-successful-interception-of-second-wave-of-attacks-on-the-country)
      * [UK launches operation to support thousands of Britons in Middle East — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjm8pn0ld8o)
      * [U.S. tells embassy staff in Israel to leave now if they want amid Trump threats to attack Iran — nbcnews.com](https://nbcnews.com/world/iran/us-allows-embassy-staff-leave-israel-citing-safety-risks-iran-threats-rcna260929)
      * [WAR HITS HOME — kuwaittimes.com](https://kuwaittimes.com/article/40361/kuwait/war-hits-home)
      * [Qatar says 'situation secure' after Iranian attacks foiled, urges vigilance on rumours — euronews.com](https://euronews.com/2026/02/28/qatar-says-situation-secure-after-iranian-attacks-foiled-urges-vigilance-on-rumours)
      * [UAE Condemns in Strongest Terms Iran's Blatant Missile Attacks Targeting the Country and Brotherly Nations — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/2/28/uae-iran)
      * [Inside the System That Intercepted Missiles Over the UAE Today — wired.me](https://wired.me/story/inside-the-system-that-intercepted-missiles-over-the-uae-today)
      * [\[VIDEO\] Iran Destroys \$1.1 Billion US AN/FPS-132 Radar in \[VIDEO\] Qatar — IRGC Strike Shakes American Missile Defense Shield Across the Gulf — defencesecurityasia.com](https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/iran-destroys-us-an-fps-132-radar-qatar-irgc-missile-defense-gulf-escalation)
      * [Iran's Multi‑Front Missile and UAV Offensive Across the Middle East (Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026) — israel-alma.org](https://israel-alma.org/irans-multi-front-missile-and-uav-offensive-across-the-middle-east-feb-28-mar-1-2026)
      * [Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last? — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2dyz6p3weo)
      * [Saudi FM Holds Series of Calls with Regional, Int'l Counterparts on Escalation and Iranian Attacks — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5246084-saudi-fm-holds-series-calls-regional-intl-counterparts-escalation-and-iranian-attacks)
      * [Saudi FM receives phone calls from Turkish, Omani and Egyptian counterparts — arabnews.pk](https://arabnews.pk/node/2634608/saudi-arabia)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman privately urged Trump to strike Iran, Washington Post reports" type="March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Did Saudi Prince privately urge Trump to strike Iran? Bombshell report claims MBS made multiple calls to Trump — hindustantimes.com](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/did-saudi-prince-privately-urge-trump-to-strike-iran-bombshell-report-claims-mbs-made-multiple-calls-to-trump-101772365653075.html)
      * [Trump ordered Iran strikes after Saudi Prince MBS lobbied him, Washington Post says as Khamenei is killed — livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/news/world/trump-ordered-iran-strikes-as-saudi-crown-prince-mbs-lobbied-him-washington-post-says-as-khamenei-is-killed-netanyahu-11772343986625.html)
      * [Push from Saudis, Israel helped move Trump to attack Iran — washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/28/trump-iran-decision-saudi-arabia-israel/)
      * [Did Saudi Prince privately urge Trump to strike Iran? Bombshell report claims MBS made multiple calls to Trump — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/did-saudi-prince-privately-urge-trump-to-strike-iran-bombshell-report-claims-mbs-made-multiple-calls-to-trump-101772365653075.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Aramco launches Jafurah shale gas project and starts production at Tanajib gas plant" type="February 26 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Saudi Aramco Launches Jafurah Shale Gas Project to Meet Domestic Demand — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-26/aramco-starts-giant-jafurah-gas-field-in-bid-to-boost-cash-flow)
      * [Aramco starts up Jafurah, eyes 80% gas capacity growth by 2030 — worldoil.com](https://worldoil.com/news/2026/2/26/aramco-starts-up-jafurah-eyes-80-gas-capacity-growth-by-2030)
      * [Aramco Starts Natural Gas Production at Middle East's Largest Shale Play — naturalgasintel.com](https://naturalgasintel.com/news/aramco-starts-natural-gas-production-at-middle-easts-largest-shale-play)
      * [Saudi Aramco fires up two strategic gas assets — upstreamonline.com](https://www.upstreamonline.com/field-development/saudi-aramco-fires-up-two-strategic-gas-assets/2-1-1950619)
      * [Aramco begins operations at Jafurah and Tanajib to boost gas output — offshore-technology.com](https://offshore-technology.com/news/aramco-begins-operations-jafurah-tanajib)
      * [Saudi Aramco launches production at Jafurah and Tanajib, seeks 80 percent sales gas capacity increase by 2030 — economymiddleeast.com](https://economymiddleeast.com/news/aramco-jafurah-tanajib-gas-expansion-milestone-2026)
      * [Aramco's Gas Strategy Builds Momentum with Major Progress Towards Growth Target — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/business/5245137-aramco%E2%80%99s-gas-strategy-builds-momentum-major-progress-towards-growth-target)
      * [SABIC Agri-Nutrients profit climbs 30% on higher fertilizer prices — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2634863/business-economy)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Aramco halts LPG exports from Juaymah terminal after infrastructure damage" type="February 25–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Saudi Aramco halts Juaymah LPG exports, disrupting key Asian supply — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/02/26/saudi-aramco-halts-juaymah-lpg-exports-after-system-damage/)
      * [Aramco cancels Juaymah LPG deliveries through March for repairs, traders say — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/energy/aramco-cancels-juaymah-lpg-deliveries-through-march-repairs-traders-say-2026-02-26)
      * [Aramco halts Juaymah LPG exports after propane, butane delivery system damage — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/aramco-halts-juaymah-lpg-exports-after-propane-butane-delivery-system-damage-2026-02-25/)
      * [Aramco Halts LPG Loadings as Accident Spurs Replacement Rush — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-25/aramco-cancels-lpg-deliveries-after-juaymah-trestle-collapse)
      * [Aramco Halts LPG Exports From Juaymah Terminal After Incident — energyintel.com](https://energyintel.com/0000019c-9a0e-d6b0-a9fc-ba5ec1320000)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Drone strike forces shutdown of Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refinery" type="March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Drone strike forces shutdown of Aramco's 550,000-bpd Ras Tanura refinery — worldoil.com](https://worldoil.com/news/2026/3/2/drone-strike-forces-shutdown-of-aramco-s-550-000-bpd-ras-tanura-refinery)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi PIF injects additional \$267 million into LIV Golf, total investment reaches \$5.3 billion" type="February 22–23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Saudi PIF Injects \$267 Million Into LIV Budget As Total Investment Creeps Towards \$6 Billion — yahoo.com](https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/saudi-pif-injects-267-million-115856493.html)
      * [LIV Golf Is Burning \$100 Million A Month, Yet The Saudis Have Doubled Down With Even More Cash — outkick.com](https://www.outkick.com/sports/liv-golf-cost-spending-saudi-pif-total-investment-billions)
      * [LIV Golf's Saudi PIF investment reaches \$5.3 billion — golfweek.usatoday.com](https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/liv/2026/02/22/liv-golf-funding-tops-5-billion-dollars-new-capital-injection/88812853007/)
      * [How Saudi Arabia Spent \$6B on Golf — frontofficesports.com](https://frontofficesports.com/newsletter/saudis-6-billion-liv-golf-investment/)
      * [Saudi PIF Will Have Spent \$6 Billion–Plus on LIV Golf by 2027 — frontofficesports.com](https://frontofficesports.com/pif-6-billion-plus-liv-golf-by-2027/)
      * [PIF investment in LIV Golf reaches \$5.3B after latest infusion of capital — sportsbusinessjournal.com](https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/02/23/pif-investment-in-liv-golf-reaches-53b-after-latest-infusion-of-capital/)
      * [PIF approves \$267 million of fresh capital for LIV Golf — moneyinsport.substack.com](https://moneyinsport.substack.com/p/pif-approves-267-million-of-fresh)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Salman celebrates Saudi Founding Day with emphasis on justice and unification" type="February 22–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [King Salman celebrates Saudi Arabia's security, prosperity on Founding Day — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2634025/saudi-arabia)
      * [King Salman: Our Kingdom Was Founded on Justice, Unification under One Banner — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5243735-king-salman-our-kingdom-was-founded-justice-unification-under-one-banner%C2%A0)
      * [King Mohammed VI Extends Congratulations to Saudi Leadership on Founding Day — moroccoworldnews.com](https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/02/279779/king-mohammed-vi-extends-congratulations-to-saudi-leadership-on-founding-day/)
      * [President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Strengthen Ties During Ramadan Visit — egyptianstreets.com](https://egyptianstreets.com/2026/02/24/president-abdel-fattah-al-sisi-and-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-strengthen-ties-during-ramadan-visit)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Egyptian President Sisi during Ramadan visit" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Strengthen Ties During Ramadan Visit — egyptianstreets.com](https://egyptianstreets.com/2026/02/24/president-abdel-fattah-al-sisi-and-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-strengthen-ties-during-ramadan-visit)
      * [Egypt and Saudi Arabia cement strategic alliance during high-stakes Ramadan summit — egyptindependent.com](https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypt-and-saudi-arabia-cement-strategic-alliance-during-high-stakes-ramadan-summit/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="NEOM project faces scaling back amid budget constraints" type="February 24–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [NEOM in 2026: What Is Actually Being Built — houseofsaud.com](https://houseofsaud.com/neom-2026-the-line-saudi-arabia-status-update/)
      * [Saudi Arabia cancels the Asian games at Neom's Trojena — greenprophet.com](https://www.greenprophet.com/2026/02/saudi-arabia-cancels-the-asian-games-at-neom/)
      * [Neom uncertainty leaves \$10bn JV in limbo as PIF reprioritises — agbi.com](https://www.agbi.com/construction/2026/02/neom-uncertainty-leaves-10bn-joint-venture-in-limbo/)
      * [En Arabie saoudite, le retour au réalisme de « MBS », contraint d'en rabattre sur ses projets pharaoniques — lemonde.fr](https://lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/02/27/en-arabie-saoudite-le-retour-au-realisme-de-mbs_6668538_3210.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Arabia announces \$347 million financial support package for Yemen" type="February 27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Saudi Arabia Provides Yemen with \$347 Million to Pay Govt Employee Salaries — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5245332-saudi-arabia-provides-yemen-347-million-pay-govt-employee-salaries%C2%A0)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Arabia reports widened budget deficit in Q4 2025" type="February 23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Saudi Arabia deficit widens to \$25.28 billion in Q4 2025, finance ministry says — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-posts-deficit-2528-billion-q4-2025-finance-ministry-says-2026-02-23)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Cabinet reshuffle analysis suggests MBS preparing for succession from King Salman — intelligenceonline.com](https://www.intelligenceonline.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/02/25/mbs-faces-delicate-balancing-act-as-he-prepares-to-succeed-king-salman,110666702-eve)
      * [Saudi royal succession analysis points to MBS as next king with power center evaluation — houseofsaud.com](https://houseofsaud.com/saudi-royal-succession-next-king-after-salman/)
      * [House of Salman total dominance analysis shows vertical power structure transformation — houseofsaud.com](https://houseofsaud.com/saudi-royal-family-in-2026-inside-the-house-of-salmans-total-dominance/)
      * [Sheikh Saleh Al-Maghamsi appointed as Imam of Prophet's Mosque in Madinah — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/who-is-sheikh-saleh-al-maghamsi-saudi-religious-leader-appointed-imam-of-prophets-mosque/articleshow/128669266.cms)
      * [Saudi Arabia participates in World Defense Show 2026 as SAMI defense company transforms — breakingdefense.com](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/saudi-arabia-courts-the-defense-world-at-wds-2026-as-sami-transforms)
      * [Secretary Rubio calls Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on economic cooperation and regional security — state.gov](https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/secretary-rubios-call-with-saudi-foreign-minister-prince-faisal-bin-farhan-al-saud-10)
      * [Saudi Arabia confronts Israel-UAE alignment in Somalia over Somaliland recognition — arabcenterdc.org](https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/saudi-arabia-confronts-the-israel-uae-alignment-in-somalia)
      * [Trump reportedly told UAE leader that Saudi Arabia wanted Emirates sanctioned — middleeasteye.net](https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/trump-told-uae-leader-saudi-arabia-wanted-emirates-sanctioned-report)
      * [US-Saudi transactional ties and strategic ambitions analysis under second Trump term — gisreportsonline.com](https://gisreportsonline.com/r/us-saudi-trump)
      * [Saudi PIF picks insider to run investment strategy in domestic economy pivot — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-27/saudi-pif-is-said-to-pick-insider-to-run-investment-strategy)
      * [Crown Prince chairs Cabinet session approving merger of competitiveness and business centers — aleqtsad.org](https://www.aleqtsad.org/%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%87%D8%AF-%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A3%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D8%A9/)
      * [Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah profiled as surgeon who made Saudi Arabia global hub for conjoined twins surgery — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/dr-abdullah-al-rabeeah-surgeon-who-turned-saudi-arabia-into-global-hub-for-conjoined-twins-surgery/articleshow/128908669.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/ae.svg" alt="United Arab Emirates flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> United Arab Emirates

Iran fired more than 700 missiles and drones at the UAE over 48 hours this week, killing three people and forcing Abu Dhabi to shut its embassy in Tehran for the first time since independence.

The attacks on February 28 and March 1 targeted military bases and civilian areas including Saadiyat Island and Khalifa City. UAE air defences shot down 327 of the 706 projectiles — 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones — but 58 people were wounded and three died. Iran also launched what UAE officials described as massive AI-powered cyber attacks on government systems, which the UAE foiled.

The assault ended a rapprochement central to the UAE's multi-alignment strategy. Mohammed bin Zayed, the president, closed the embassy and condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty. But he also reached for his regional partners. Mr bin Zayed held phone calls with Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, and other Gulf leaders to coordinate a response. The Gulf Cooperation Council held an emergency meeting condemning the strikes.

Saudi-UAE relations have been strained since December over proxy warfare in Yemen, but facing direct Iranian fire, both leaders stressed regional security cooperation. Gulf solidarity overrode bilateral tensions when the threat became existential.

Even as missiles fell, the UAE's technological ambitions advanced. The Central Bank partnered with G42 to launch what it calls the world's first sovereign financial cloud platform, a secure infrastructure with AI integration for the country's financial sector. G42 also announced it had begun recruiting artificial intelligence agents for business roles and unveiled a framework to govern US-origin semiconductors. A White House official praised G42's chip security approach as a model for others.

The UAE also pushed ahead with long-term plans. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the vice president, kept to his normal schedule, hosting Ramadan iftar banquets with government officials and judiciary representatives at the Emirates Palace Hotel.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Abdullah bin Zayed conducts working visit to Washington, meets senior US officials** — UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed concluded a working visit to Washington February 23-27, holding bilateral meetings with US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, and other senior officials. Discussions covered strengthening UAE-US strategic ties and regional developments. *([mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/2/25/bin-zayed-usa))*
  * **ADNOC maintains operations and increases oil supply amid regional tensions** — Abu Dhabi National Oil Company confirmed operations continue without interruption despite Iranian attacks and regional tensions. ADNOC offered additional Murban crude volumes to partners ahead of OPEC+ meeting as oil markets responded to Middle East developments. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/adnoc-says-operations-continuing-without-interruption-2026-02-28/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Iran launches major missile and drone assault on UAE in response to US-Israeli strikes, killing 3" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Iranian missiles shake Gulf cities after US, Israeli strikes on Iran — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-fires-missiles-gulf-arab-states-one-killed-abu-dhabi-2026-02-28)
      * [3 killed, 58 injured as UAE intercepts 165 ballistic missiles, 541 Iranian drones — khaleejtimes.com](https://khaleejtimes.com/uae/emergencies/killed-injured-uae-intercept-iranian-ballistic-missiles-drones)
      * [UAE intercepts hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones over Abu Dhabi and Dubai — thenationalnews.com](https://thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/02/28/uae-iran-missile-strikes)
      * [UAE closes embassy in Tehran and recalls ambassador over Iranian missile and drone attacks — thenationalnews.com](https://thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/03/01/iran-missile-attacks-uae-deaths)
      * [Calm Amidst Chaos: UAE's Swift Response to Iranian Missile Assault — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-stands-firm-iranian-missiles-attack-foiled-calm-prevails-1.500459672)
      * [UAE successfully intercepts third wave of Iranian missiles and drones — dubaieye1038.com](https://dubaieye1038.com/news/local/uae-air-defense-systems-successfully-intercepts-third-wave-of-iranian-missiles-and-drones)
      * [UAE Condemns in Strongest Terms Iran's Blatant Missile Attacks Targeting the Country and Brotherly Nations — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/2/28/uae-iran)
      * [3 dead, 58 injured in Iranian airstrikes on UAE: defense ministry — english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20260301/6ba659729eab4e9592cd358feaa00f75/c.html)
      * [Video shows plume of smoke rising at Abu Dhabi's Port Zayed — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/video/video-shows-plume-of-smoke-rising-at-abu-dhabis-port-zayed-8392893a933945ba8e0bb6568457879c)
      * [Iran retaliates against UAE: List of key locations hit by missiles and drones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — news24online.com](https://news24online.com/world/iran-retaliates-against-uae-list-of-key-locations-hit-by-missiles-and-drones-in-dubai-and-abu-dhabi/761903)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="UAE coordinates regional response with Saudi Arabia and Gulf states following Iranian attacks" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [MBS and MBZ condemn 'dangerous Iranian escalation' in first official exchange since rift — today.lorientlejour.com](https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1496493/mbs-and-mbz-condemn-dangerous-iranian-escalation-in-first-official-exchange-since-rift.html)
      * [UAE President, Saudi Crown Prince discuss attacks — sharjah24.ae](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2026/02/28/AL021)
      * [UAE President, Sultan of Oman discuss regional escalation — sharjah24.ae](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2026/03/01/kmr21)
      * [Qatar Emir, UAE President discuss regional security after Iranian attacks — sana.sy](https://sana.sy/en/international/2299357)
      * [UAE President holds talks with world leaders on regional developments — dubaieye1038.com](https://dubaieye1038.com/news/local/uae-president-receives-calls-from-global-leaders-including-uk-germany-greece-pakistan)
      * [Solidarity in Crisis: Saudi Arabia Supports UAE Amid Iranian Aggression — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-affirms-full-solidarity-with-uae-after-iranian-attacks-1.500458690)
      * [Joint Statement on Iran's Missile and Drone Attacks in the Region — state.gov](https://state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/03/joint-statement-on-irans-missile-and-drone-attacks-in-the-region)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Abdullah bin Zayed conducts working visit to Washington, meets senior US officials" type="February 23–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed meets US Vice President to discuss strengthening bilateral strategic ties — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/2/25/bin-zayed-usa)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed meets US Secretary of the Interior in Washington — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/26/bin-Zayed-Washington)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed concludes working visit to Washington — mofa.gov.ae](https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/27/UAE-Washington)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed meets US President's Advisor for Arab and African Affairs in Washington — mofa.gov.ae](https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/23/UAE-abdullah-bin-zayed-Washington)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed meets US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism — mofa.gov.ae](https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/23/UAE-abdullah-bin-zayed-usa)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed and Interior Secretary Discuss Shared Climate and Conservation Goals — emirates247.com](https://emirates247.com/world/abdullah-bin-zayed-and-interior-secretary-discuss-shared-climate-and-conservation-goals-2026-02-26-1.744326)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="ADNOC maintains operations and increases oil supply amid regional tensions" type="February 25 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [ADNOC says operations continuing without interruption — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/adnoc-says-operations-continuing-without-interruption-2026-02-28/)
      * [UAE and Saudi boost oil exports as US-Iran tensions mount, sources say — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/energy/adnoc-offers-more-oil-partners-countdown-opec-meet-sources-report-say-2026-02-27)
      * [ADNOC Says Operations Remain Steady Amid Regional Tensions — egyptoil-gas.com](https://egyptoil-gas.com/news/adnoc-says-operations-remain-steady-amid-regional-tensions)
      * [Shell in Talks With Adnoc, Others Over LNG Plant Stake Sale — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-26/shell-in-talks-with-adnoc-others-over-australia-lng-stake-sale)
      * [Abu Dhabi's State Oil Company Looks Beyond Oil — nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/02/25/business/abu-dhabi-oil-energy.html)
      * [ADNOC offers more of its Murban crude to partners ahead of OPEC+ meeting, sources say — energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/adnoc-offers-more-of-its-murban-crude-to-partners-ahead-of-opec-meeting-sources-say/128872376)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="UAE Central Bank launches world's first sovereign financial cloud platform with G42" type="February 22–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [UAE Central Bank launches world's first sovereign financial cloud platform — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/business/banking/uae-central-bank-launches-worlds-first-sovereign-financial-cloud-platform-1.500454852)
      * [CBUAE unveils world-first sovereign financial cloud as digital fintech push picks up pace — khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/finance/cbuae-unveils-world-first-sovereign-financial-cloud-as-digital-fintech-push-picks-up-pace)
      * [UAE central bank establishes framework for responsible use of AI in the financial sector — economymiddleeast.com](https://economymiddleeast.com/news/uae-central-bank-establishes-framework-for-responsible-use-of-ai-in-the-financial-sector/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="G42 announces recruitment of AI agents and new framework for US chip deployments" type="February 23–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [AI agents can now apply for jobs, says UAE technology giant G42 — khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/tech/uae-ai-jobs-hiring-ai-agents-says-g42)
      * [G42 Revolutionizes Workforce with AI Agents: Recruitment and Probation Process Unveiled — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/g42-opens-jobs-to-ai-agents-who-must-qualify-and-clear-probation-1.500457089)
      * [G42's bot recruiting is step toward the UAE's AI-first future — semafor.com](https://www.semafor.com/article/02/27/2026/g42s-bot-recruiting-is-step-toward-the-uaes-ai-first-future)
      * [White House hails UAE company G42's 'model' work in field of AI security — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/future/technology/2026/02/26/uae-ai-g42-chips-helberg/)
      * [G42 plans framework to govern US AI chip deployments — automotiveworld.com](https://automotiveworld.com/news/g42-plans-framework-to-govern-us-ai-chip-deployments)
      * [Abu Dhabi's G42 to build supercomputer for India — semafor.com](https://www.semafor.com/article/02/23/2026/abu-dhabis-g42-to-build-supercomputer-for-india)
      * [G42 announces assurance framework project for Pax Silica — middleeastainews.com](https://www.middleeastainews.com/p/g42-announces-assurance-framework)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sheikh Mansour hosts Ramadan iftar events with government officials and judiciary" type="February 22–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Mansour Bin Zayed Attends Ramadan Iftar Banquet With FNC, Ministerial Development Council Members — urdupoint.com](https://urdupoint.com/en/middle-east/mansour-bin-zayed-attends-ramadan-iftar-banqu-2143850.html)
      * [Mansour bin Zayed Convenes Cabinet and Legislative Leaders for Ramadan Iftar — emirates247.com](https://emirates247.com/uae/mansour-bin-zayed-convenes-cabinet-and-legislative-leaders-for-ramadan-iftar-2026-02-24-1.744249)
      * [Mansour Bin Zayed Joins Presidential Court, Judiciary, Education Staff For Ramadan Iftar — urdupoint.com](https://urdupoint.com/en/middle-east/mansour-bin-zayed-joins-presidential-court-j-2144536.html)
      * [President Sheikh Mohamed receives UAE Rulers for Ramadan greetings — thenationalnews.com](https://thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/02/27/president-sheikh-mohamed-receives-uae-rulers-for-ramadan-greetings)
      * [Mansour bin Zayed and Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed attend Abu Dhabi Government's Ramadan majlis — mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/community/mansour-bin-zayed-and-khaled-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-attend-abu-dhabi-governments-ramadan-majlis-barzat-abu-dhabi-at-qasr-al-hosn)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Tahnoun bin Zayed's role in regional stability strategy highlighted — europeantimes.news](https://europeantimes.news/2026/02/tahnoon-bin-zayed-and-the-strategy-of-regional-stability)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed receives phone call from Iranian FM discussing regional negotiations — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/2/24/bin-Zayed-Iran)
      * [Exclusive: ADIA set to anchor SoftBank's PayPay IPO as cornerstone investor — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/qia-visa-adia-set-anchor-softbanks-paypay-ipo-sources-say-2026-02-27/)
      * [Mubadala invests in Hungary-based IT systems integrator 4iG Group — advanced-television.com](https://www.advanced-television.com/2026/02/27/mubadala-invests-in-4ig-group/)
      * [UAE AI fund announces first five investments including Abu Dhabi startup — agbi.com](https://agbi.com/ai/2026/02/uae-ai-fund-announces-first-five-investments)
      * [UAE foils massive AI-backed cyberattacks targeting government digital systems — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/uae-foils-massive-ai-cyber-attack-targeting-government-digital-systems/articleshow/128703508.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/in.svg" alt="India flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> India

Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to address the Israeli Knesset, raising ties to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' even as Iran and Israel traded missile strikes across the region.

Mr Modi's two-day visit to Israel drew criticism for his silence on Gaza, but it marked deeper ties. He received the Speaker's Medal and signed new defence cooperation agreements. The timing was bold: Iranian missiles had just hit Israeli and Gulf targets, yet Mr Modi pressed ahead with the visit while his foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, worked the phones with both Tehran and Jerusalem.

India's response to the Iran-Israel escalation showed its balancing act. Mr Modi called both Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and the UAE president, while Mr Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian and Israeli counterparts. On March 1, Mr Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to assess the crisis and the safety of Indian nationals abroad. Ajit Doval, the national security adviser, and the service chiefs attended.

Even as India navigated Middle Eastern tensions, it was repairing damage closer to home. Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, visited New Delhi on February 28 for talks with Mr Modi, marking an improvement in ties after the diplomatic crisis over alleged Indian involvement in Khalistan activities. Mr Doval had earlier visited Ottawa, and both countries now want to reduce their dependence on US trade.

India's military kept up its post-Sindoor modernisation. The air force conducted Exercise Vayu Shakti at Pokhran, with Droupadi Murmu, the president, watching simulated strikes that recreated elements of Operation Sindoor missions. The army held joint exercises with US and Japanese forces, while the government announced plans to expand military infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

At home, opposition politics heated up. Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP chief, held a press conference after being cleared in the Delhi excise case, calling it the 'biggest political conspiracy of independent India' by Mr Modi and Amit Shah, the home minister. He claimed the case was fabricated to crush his party and announced his comeback, declaring that 'Modi is corrupt' and the 'countdown for BJP's downfall has begun.' Meanwhile, the BJP launched its 'Paribartan Yatra' campaign for West Bengal's assembly elections, aiming to cover 5,000 kilometres and reach 1.5 crore voters to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress.

On the economy, the Reserve Bank of India held firm against industry pressure. Sanjay Malhotra, the governor, confirmed the central bank would not revise new lending rules for proprietary traders and brokers, which require 100% eligible collateral backing and ban financing for proprietary trading. The measures aim to cool India's derivatives market, where retail investors have suffered heavy losses. Meanwhile, Gautam Adani reviewed projects worth more than Rs 40,000 crore in Jharkhand and Bihar, but his group faced continued international scrutiny. Norway's sovereign wealth fund excluded Adani Green from its portfolio, and the US imposed 126% tariffs on Adani solar firms over their refusal to cooperate with a subsidy investigation.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Shah launches Bharat Taxi service as cooperative alternative** — Amit Shah, the home minister, launched Bharat Taxi service Feb 23, allowing drivers to become co-owners by paying Rs 500. The cooperative model promises 80% profit share to drivers and aims to challenge existing ride aggregators. *([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/bharat-taxi-service-launched-union-minister-amit-shah-says-drivers-can-become-co-owners-by-paying-rs-500/articleshow/128747022.cms))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Modi makes historic Israel visit, addresses Knesset amid regional tensions" type="February 25–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Modi in Israel updates: India's PM touts 'vital' ties in Knesset speech — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/2/25/modi-in-israel-live-indias-pm-to-meet-netanyahu-address-knesset)
      * [India's Modi visits Israel as US-Iran tensions mount — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/india/indias-modi-visits-israel-us-iran-tensions-mount-2026-02-25)
      * [Modi: India stands with Israel 'with full conviction' — dw.com](https://www.dw.com/en/modi-india-stands-with-israel-with-full-conviction/a-76121546)
      * [Brothers-in-arms: How Modi and Netanyahu are bringing India and Israel closer together — france24.com](https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20260226-brothers-in-arms-modi-and-netanyahu-deep-ties-remain-unshakable)
      * [India's Modi addresses Israel's Parliament as Netanyahu touts mutual alliance — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/israel-india-modi-visit-netanyahu-3579fe515c0dad8c05431d59706a4cd7)
      * [Terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere, says PM Modi in Israeli Parliament — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-israel-visit-knesset-parliament-the-hindu-live-updates-february-25-2026/article70673911.ece)
      * [No wavering: Modi's speech firmly aligns himself, and India, with Israel - analysis — jpost.com](https://jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-888013)
      * [In the Knesset, Modi says India stands firmly with Israel 'in this moment and beyond' — timesofisrael.com](https://timesofisrael.com/in-the-knesset-modi-says-india-stands-firmly-with-israel-in-this-moment-and-beyond)
      * [Modi Crosses the Rubicon and Embraces Israel — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/modi-crosses-the-rubicon-and-embraces-israel)
      * [From Gaza to defence: Five key takeaways from Indian PM Modi's Israel visit — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/2/26/from-gaza-to-defence-five-key-takeaways-from-indian-pm-modis-israel-visit)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Home Minister Shah conducts security review in Bihar, targets infiltration ahead of Bengal polls" type="February 26–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Amit Shah concludes his three-day visit to Bihar's Seemanchal — thehindu.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/amit-shah-concludes-his-three-day-visit-to-bihars-seemanchal/article70685609.ece)
      * [HM Shah reviews border security in Seemanchal; all post-SIR deaths to be verified — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hm-shah-reviews-border-security-in-seemanchal-all-post-sir-deaths-to-be-verified/articleshow/128890343.cms)
      * [Home Minister Amit Shah reviews India-Nepal border security in Bihar, orders tighter vigilance — indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/india/story/home-minister-amit-shah-reviews-india-nepal-border-security-in-bihar-orders-tighter-vigilance-2875708-2026-02-28)
      * [Union Home Minister Amit Shah's Seemanchal crackdown before Bengal polls, says will remove every infiltrator — indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/elections/story/union-home-minister-amit-shahs-seemanchal-crackdown-before-bengal-polls-says-will-remove-every-infiltrator-2874698-2026-02-26)
      * [From Seemanchal, Amit Shah sounds poll bugle for Bengal — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/from-seemanchal-amit-shah-sounds-poll-bugle-for-bengal/articleshow/128823359.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="India responds to Iran-Israel escalation with diplomatic outreach, CCS meeting" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * ['India stands in solidarity': PM Modi speaks to UAE prez, condemns attacks by Iran — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-stands-in-solidarity-pm-modi-speaks-to-uae-prez-condemns-attacks-by-iran/articleshow/128924766.cms)
      * [Middle East Crisis: PM Modi speaks to Netanyahu, calls for early end to hostilities with Iran — indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/world/story/middle-east-crisis-pm-modi-speaks-to-israel-pm-netanyahu-amid-escalating-iran-us-hostilities-2876299-2026-03-02)
      * [Iran Israel Conflict | PM Modi chairs CCS meeting; West Asia situation, stranded Indians discussed — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/pm-narendra-modi-cabinet-committee-of-security-ccs-meeting-march-1-2026/article70691990.ece)
      * [EAM Jaishankar Speaks to Foreign Ministers of Iran & Israel — kashmirobserver.net](https://kashmirobserver.net/2026/02/28/eam-jaishankar-speaks-to-foreign-ministers-of-iran-israel)
      * [Jaishankar dials Israeli, Iranian counterparts amid escalating West Asia tension — tribuneindia.com](https://tribuneindia.com/news/india/jaishankar-dials-israeli-iranian-counterparts-amid-escalating-west-asia-tension)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Indian military conducts multiple exercises showcasing defense capabilities" type="February 24–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [IAF showcases combat prowess, gives peek into Operation Sindoor missions at Exercise Vayu Shakti — indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iaf-showcases-combat-peek-operation-sindoor-missions-exercise-vayu-shakti-10556321)
      * [Indian Army holds military exercises separately with US, Japanese forces — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/news/indian-army-holds-military-exercises-separately-with-us-japanese-forces/articleshow/128796951.cms)
      * [India-U.S. 'Vajra Prahar' special forces exercise begins in Himachal Pradesh — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-vajra-prahar-special-forces-exercise-begins-in-himachal-pradesh/article70671970.ece)
      * [India builds military airfield in Indian Ocean to counter China — straitstimes.com](https://straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-builds-military-airfield-in-indian-ocean-to-counter-china)
      * [IAF shows its prowess during Vayushakti-26 — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/iafshows-its-prowess-during-vayushakti26-101772216391264.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kejriwal launches attack on Modi and Shah after court clearance in excise case" type="February 27 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Narendra Modi, Amit Shah together hatched biggest political conspiracy of Independent India to crush AAP: Arvind Kejriwal — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/narendra-modi-amit-shah-together-hatched-biggest-political-conspiracy-of-independent-india-to-crush-aap-arvind-kejriwal-says-after-being-cleared-in-delhi-excise-case/articleshow/128839318.cms)
      * [Arvind Kejriwal Clean Chit: 'You need to kill me to stop me': Kejriwal's all-out attack against PM Modi, Amit Shah — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/you-needed-to-kill-me-to-stop-me-kejriwal-launches-explosive-rebuke-to-pm-modi-amit-shah/articleshow/128847507.cms)
      * [Modi is corrupt, countdown for BJP's downfall has begun: Kejriwal — thehindu.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/modi-is-corrupt-bjp-countdown-has-begun-says-kejriwal/article70691071.ece)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Canada PM Carney visits India as bilateral relations show improvement" type="February 24–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [A 'delicate' balance for Canada and a 'win-win' for Modi as Carney visits India — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1l7q871gnro)
      * ['No longer a threat': How Canada U-turned on India ahead of Carney visit — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/2/27/no-longer-a-threat-how-canada-u-turned-on-india-ahead-of-carney-visit)
      * [Indian Envoy Praises NSA Ajit Doval's Ottawa Visit As India, Canada Seal Strong Security Action Plan — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/indian-envoy-praises-nsa-ajit-dovals-ottawa-visit-as-india-canada-seal-strong-security-action-plan/videoshow/128741401.cms)
      * [Canada shooting: Bishnoi gang claims responsibility — rediff.com](https://www.rediff.com/news/commentary/2026/feb/24/canada-shooting-bishnoi-gang-claims-responsibility/912ce92bbc8b0f6ef7d3db159354f354)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="RBI maintains restrictive stance on broker funding rules" type="February 22–23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [RBI Shuts Door on Broker and Prop Relief: 'There Is No Change We Are Contemplating' — financemagnates.com](https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/regulation/rbi-shuts-door-on-broker-and-prop-relief-there-is-no-change-we-are-contemplating)
      * [India cenbank not looking to revisit lending rules for proprietary traders, brokers, governor says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/india-cenbank-not-looking-revisit-lending-rules-proprietary-traders-brokers-2026-02-23)
      * ['No systemic issue here': RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra reacts to IDFC First Bank's Rs 590-crore fraud — moneycontrol.com](https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/no-systemic-issue-here-rbi-governor-sanjay-malhotra-reacts-to-idfc-first-bank-s-rs-590-crore-fraud-13839531.html)
      * [RBI Office Attendant admit card 2026 released: Direct link to download call letter here — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/rbi-office-attendant-admit-card-2026-released-direct-link-to-download-call-letter-here/articleshow/128716996.cms)
      * [RBI builds secured data centre away from potential enemy strikes, seismic risk — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/rbi-builds-secured-data-centre-away-from-potential-enemy-strikes-seismic-risk/articleshow/128670387.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Adani Group expands projects while facing international scrutiny" type="February 22 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Gautam Adani Reviews Projects Worth Over Rs 40,000 Crore In Jharkhand, Bihar — ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/gautam-adani-reviews-projects-worth-over-rs-40-000-crore-in-jharkhand-bihar-11121320)
      * [US Hits Indian Solar Giants With Massive 126% Tariff After Adani Firms Skip Subsidy Probe — indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/business/us-slaps-126-per-cent-tariff-on-solar-firms-cites-adani-not-joining-subsidy-probe-10552568)
      * [World's Largest Sovereign Wealth Fund Drops Adani Green From Portfolio — m.thewire.in](https://m.thewire.in/article/business/worlds-largest-sovereign-wealth-fund-drops-adani-green-from-portfolio)
      * [Adani Group Working On Bringing Formula 1 Back To Greater Noida's Buddh Circuit — ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/auto/adani-group-working-on-bringing-formula-1-back-to-greater-noidas-buddh-circuit-11120469)
      * ['All assets fully secure': Adani's Haifa Port confirms normal operations after Iran missile attacks on Israel — businesstoday.in](https://www.businesstoday.in/world/story/all-assets-fully-secure-adanis-haifa-port-confirms-normal-operations-after-iran-missile-attacks-on-israel-518645-2026-03-01)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="BJP launches West Bengal election campaign with 'Paribartan Yatra'" type="February 23 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [BJP launches 'Paribartan Yatra' in Bengal, challenges TMC ahead of assembly polls — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjp-launches-paribartan-yatra-in-bengal-challenges-tmc-ahead-of-assembly-polls-101772343521829.html)
      * [BJP begins campaign for Bengal Assembly elections with Parivartan Yatras — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/bjp-begins-campaign-for-bengal-assembly-elections-with-parivartan-yatras/article70692222.ece)
      * [Poriborton Yatra begins in Bengal as BJP makes SIR voter deletions central poll plank — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/poriborton-yatra-begins-in-bengal-as-bjp-makes-sir-voter-deletions-central-poll-plank/articleshow/128921075.cms)
      * [Bengal battle 2026: BJP to launch 5,000-km 'Paribartan Yatra' across all 294 seats — english.mathrubhumi.com](https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/west-bengal-elections-2026-bjp-paribartan-yatra-2026-amit-shah-raidighi-launch-wwfh8ab8)
      * [Mukul Roy's Death Turns Political Flashpoint Between Trinamool, BJP — ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mukul-roys-death-turns-political-flashpoint-between-trinamool-bjp-11126362)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Shah launches Bharat Taxi service as cooperative alternative" type="February 23–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Bharat Taxi service launched: Union minister Amit Shah says drivers can become co-owners by paying Rs 500 — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/bharat-taxi-service-launched-union-minister-amit-shah-says-drivers-can-become-co-owners-by-paying-rs-500/articleshow/128747022.cms)
      * [Bharat Taxi won't let drivers earn below base rate: Shah — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bharat-taxi-wont-let-drivers-earn-below-base-rate-shah/articleshow/128734013.cms)
      * [Bharat Taxi: Shah calls it an initiative to transform driver partners into revered 'Sarathis' — thestatesman.com](https://www.thestatesman.com/india/amit-shah-interacts-with-bharat-taxi-drivers-says-those-toiling-should-get-share-of-profit-1503561381.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Parliament Speaker forms friendship groups with 60+ countries" type="February 23–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Speaker Om Birla forms lawmaker groups with 60 nations for Parliament's global outreach — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/speaker-om-birla-forms-lawmaker-groups-with-60-nations-for-parliaments-global-outreach-101771851254571.html)
      * [Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constitutes Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 countries — thehindu.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lok-sabha-speaker-om-birla-constitutes-parliamentary-friendship-groups-with-64-countries/article70667384.ece)
      * [Speaker's Parliamentary Friendship Groups put Congress MPs in a bind — thefederal.com](https://thefederal.com/category/news/speakers-parliamentary-friendship-groups-put-congress-mps-in-a-bind-231468)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Modi becomes first world leader to cross 100 million Instagram followers — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-becomes-first-world-leader-to-cross-100-million-instagram-followers/articleshow/128798704.cms)
      * [US, China Challenge Modi's 'Make in India' Factory Incentives — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-26/us-china-challenge-modi-s-make-in-india-factory-incentives)
      * [Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi amid row over 'shirtless' protest — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/this-is-not-north-korea-it-is-india-rahul-gandhi-targets-pm-modi-amid-row-over-shirtless-protesr/articleshow/128807760.cms)
      * [Delhi to be renamed Indraprastha? BJP MP writes to Amit Shah after Kerala's name change — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/delhi-to-be-renamed-indraprastha-bjp-mp-writes-to-amit-shah-after-keralas-name-change/articleshow/128771164.cms)
      * [Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP — thehindu.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/former-assam-congress-chief-bhupen-borah-joins-bjp/article70662542.ece)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/tr.svg" alt="Turkey flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Turkey

Istanbul prosecutors filed fresh charges against Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor, this week, adding vehicle misuse claims to the espionage case that has kept him in prison since January.

The new charges seek up to two years for allegedly using his company's car as an official vehicle during his earlier tenure as Beylikdüzü mayor. Özgür Özel, the Republican People's Party (CHP) leader, revealed the new case as prosecutors dropped one previous charge for "insulting" officials after an advance payment. The growing charges follow what opposition figures call the Demirtaş template — layering cases across different jurisdictions to ensure constant detention regardless of individual outcomes.

While eliminating electoral threats through the courts, the government is advancing the Kurdish peace process to secure votes for constitutional changes. The Democratic Equality and Peace Party (DEM) announced plans to restructure itself as part of the "Terror-free Turkey" process, changing its name to include "Democratic Republic" terminology and closing affiliated organisations like the DTK and DBP under a single umbrella. Devlet Bahçeli, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader, raised questions about closing Abdullah Öcalan's status gap and called for dismissed mayors to return to their positions. Parliament's Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission approved its report, moving the process to the implementation phase.

Turkey also acted as a regional broker during the Iran crisis. After joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, the emir of Kuwait, and Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission president, to push for diplomacy. Hakan Fidan, the foreign minister, held calls with counterparts from seven countries — Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Egypt and Indonesia — plus additional conversations with officials from the UAE, Spain, Hungary and the EU's foreign policy chief.

Mehmet Şimşek, the finance minister, defended his stabilisation programme against internal critics, highlighting Turkey's lowest inflation in 50 months. He said the government had taken "tax-like measures" against hot money inflows while the central bank announced new Turkish lira-settled forward foreign exchange sales and temporarily suspended one-week repo auctions.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Erdoğan celebrates 72nd birthday amid domestic and international congratulations** — President Erdoğan turned 72 on February 26, receiving birthday wishes from world leaders, domestic politicians, and organizations. The occasion included special songs, videos, and gifts from coalition partner Bahçeli featuring Islamic world map imagery. *([dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-one-of-the-most-popular-leaders-of-turkiye-turns-72/news))*
  * **MHP leader Bahçeli supports Ramadan circular, attacks secularism declaration signatories** — MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli strongly endorsed the Education Ministry's controversial Ramadan activities circular for schools, while harshly criticizing the 168 intellectuals who signed a secularism declaration. Bahçeli said 'if believing in Allah is being reactionary, then we are proudly reactionary.' *([haber7.com](https://haber7.com/siyaset/haber/3606940-bahceliden-laiklik-bildirisine-tepki-allaha-iman-gericilikse-gericiyiz))*
  * **Öcalan issues new message on anniversary of PKK disarmament call** — DEM Party read a new message from PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on the first anniversary of his February 27, 2025 call for the organization's dissolution. The message declared the end of the 'violence-based era' and called for transition to 'positive construction phase.' *([haberturk.com](https://www.haberturk.com/son-dakika-haberleri-dem-parti-ocalan-in-ikinci-27-subat-mesajini-okuyacak-3865330))*
  * **Foreign Minister Fidan conducts intensive diplomacy on Iran crisis** — Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held phone conversations with counterparts from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Egypt, Indonesia) following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Additional calls were made to UAE, Spain, Hungary, and EU foreign policy chief Kallas. *([aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/tr/politika/disisleri-bakani-fidandan-iran-diplomasisi/3843511))*
  * **Central Bank announces new FX and monetary policy measures** — TCMB announced it will begin Turkish Lira-settled forward FX sales operations to support healthy FX market functioning and limit volatility. The bank also temporarily suspended 1-week repo auctions and published new methodology for measuring core inflation trends. *([bloomberght.com](https://www.bloomberght.com/tcmb-den-doviz-piyasasi-ile-ilgili-tedbirler-3770469))*
  * **CHP continues opposition rallies and parliamentary activities** — CHP held the 93rd 'Standing by People's Will' rally in Burdur, while continuing parliamentary opposition work. The party's Bakırköy regional rally attracted thousands. CHP leader Özel announced a new roadmap to be revealed March 2 and faced investigation for his Burdur speech criticizing judiciary. *([halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/millet-iradesine-sahip-cikiyor-mitinginin-93uncusu-burdurda-1011795h))*
  * **Parliamentary commission report advances Terror-free Turkey process** — The Parliamentary Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission's report was accepted, moving the 'Terror-free Turkey' process to the legal implementation phase. Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş met with party leaders to discuss next steps in what he called crossing a 'vital threshold.' *([dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/war-on-terror/turkiye-set-to-found-new-mechanism-for-disarming-pkk-terrorists))*
  * **Football betting corruption investigation leads to arrest demands** — Prosecutors prepared indictments seeking 4-13 years imprisonment for 34 suspects including Galatasaray's Metehan Baltacı and Fenerbahçe's Mert Hakan Yandaş in the football betting investigation. MHP leader Bahçeli praised TFF President Hacıosmanoğlu's role in the investigation. *([nefes.com.tr](https://nefes.com.tr/galatasarayli-metehan-fenerbahceli-mert-hakan-icin-hapis-talebi-106937))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Erdoğan celebrates 72nd birthday amid domestic and international congratulations" type="February 26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Erdoğan, one of the most popular leaders of Türkiye, turns 72 — dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-one-of-the-most-popular-leaders-of-turkiye-turns-72/news)
      * [Siyasilerden peş peşe Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'a doğum günü tebrik mesajı — hurriyet.com.tr](https://hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/siyasilerden-pes-pese-cumhurbaskani-erdogana-dogum-gunu-tebrik-mesaji-43116741)
      * [Dünya liderlerinden Başkan Erdoğan'a doğum günü tebrikleri — sabah.com.tr](https://sabah.com.tr/gundem/2026/02/26/dunya-liderlerinden-baskan-erdogana-dogum-gunu-tebrikleri)
      * [AK Parti Gençlik Kolları'ndan Başkan Erdoğan'a sürpriz: İlle de sen — ahaber.com.tr](https://www.ahaber.com.tr/gundem/2026/02/27/ak-parti-genclik-kollarindan-baskan-erdogana-surpriz-ille-de-sen)
      * [Devlet Bahçeli, Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'ın doğum gününü kutladı — bursahakimiyet.com.tr](https://bursahakimiyet.com.tr/gundem/devlet-bahceli-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-in-dogum-gununu-kutladi-1583741)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Erdoğan leads diplomatic efforts after US-Israel attacks on Iran" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Başkan Erdoğan'dan diplomasi trafiği! Türkiye'den barış sürecine destek mesajı — ahaber.com.tr](https://ahaber.com.tr/gundem/2026/03/01/baskan-erdogandan-diplomasi-trafigi-turkiyeden-baris-surecine-destek-mesaji)
      * [Statement by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Iran and Developments in the Region — iletisim.gov.tr](https://iletisim.gov.tr/english/haberler/detay/statement-by-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-on-iran-and-developments-in-the-region)
      * [Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'dan barış için diplomasi trafiği — hurriyet.com.tr](https://hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-prens-muhammed-bin-selman-ile-gorustu-43119274)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="MHP leader Bahçeli supports Ramadan circular, attacks secularism declaration signatories" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Bahçeli'den 'Laiklik Bildirisi'ne tepki: Allah'a iman gericilikse, gericiyiz! — haber7.com](https://haber7.com/siyaset/haber/3606940-bahceliden-laiklik-bildirisine-tepki-allaha-iman-gericilikse-gericiyiz)
      * [MHP lideri Bahçeli: MEB'in Ramazan genelgesini sonuna kadar destekliyorum — ensonhaber.com](https://ensonhaber.com/gundem/mhp-lideri-bahceliden-onemli-aciklamalar-99631)
      * [Bahçeli "Laikliğe Sahip Çıkıyoruz" açıklamasını hedef aldı! — birgun.net](https://birgun.net/haber/bahceli-laiklige-sahip-cikiyoruz-aciklamasini-hedef-aldi-695364)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bahçeli calls for addressing Öcalan's 'status gap' in peace process" type="February 24–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Bahçeli, Öcalan için çözüm istedi: "İmralı'nın statü açığı nasıl kapatılacaktır?" — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/bahceli-ocalan-icin-cozum-istedi-imrali-nin-statu-acigi-nasil-kapatilacaktir-p296537)
      * [Bahçeli'nin 'İmralı'nın statüsü tartışılsın' çağrısı — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/turkce/articles/c3rz47nlld2o)
      * [Bahçeli'nin 'Öcalan'a statü' açıklaması ne anlama geliyor? — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c07jvgzrd0no)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Multiple new lawsuits filed against detained Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu" type="February 25 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Cuma günkü duruşma öncesi sürpriz gelişme: İmamoğlu davası düştü! — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/imamoglu-nun-yargilandigi-cirkin-davasi-dustu-p296987)
      * [Ekrem İmamoğlu hakkında yeni iddianame hazırlandı — dw.com](https://www.dw.com/tr/ekrem-i%CC%87mamo%C4%9Flu-hakk%C4%B1nda-yeni-iddianame-haz%C4%B1rland%C4%B1/a-76177483)
      * [Ekrem İmamoğlu'na yeni dava. İki yıla kadar hapsi isteniyor — ntv.com.tr](https://ntv.com.tr/turkiye/ekrem-imamogluna-yeni-dava-iki-yila-kadar-hapsi-isteniyor-1714033)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="DEM Party plans name change and structural reorganization" type="February 23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [DEM Parti'nin adı değişiyor — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/siyaset/demden-koklu-degisim-hamlesi-partinin-adi-da-degisiyor-yapisi-da-1010418h)
      * [Terörsüz Türkiye etkisi: DEM Parti'nin adı ve kadroları değişiyor — ensonhaber.com](https://ensonhaber.com/gundem/terorsuz-turkiye-etkisi-dem-partinin-adi-ve-kadrolari-degisiyor)
      * [DEM Parti'nin adı ve yönetimi değişiyor! Yeni isim belli oldu — 12punto.com.tr](https://12punto.com.tr/gundem/dem-partinin-adi-ve-yonetimi-degisiyor-yeni-isim-belli-oldu-111867)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Öcalan issues new message on anniversary of PKK disarmament call" type="February 27–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [İmralı'dan 2'nci çağrı! Son dakika: DEM Parti, Öcalan'ın mesajını okuyacak — haberturk.com](https://www.haberturk.com/son-dakika-haberleri-dem-parti-ocalan-in-ikinci-27-subat-mesajini-okuyacak-3865330)
      * [PKK leader declares 'end of violence-based' era in fresh message — hurriyetdailynews.com](https://hurriyetdailynews.com/pkk-leader-declares-end-of-violence-based-era-in-fresh-message-219389)
      * [DEM Parti İmralı'nın mesajını okudu: Şiddete dayalı dönem sona erdi — cnnturk.com](https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/live-imralidan-2-asama-mesaji-dem-parti-aciklayacak-2400742)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Foreign Minister Fidan conducts intensive diplomacy on Iran crisis" type="February 28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Dışişleri Bakanı Fidan'dan İran diplomasisi — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/tr/politika/disisleri-bakani-fidandan-iran-diplomasisi/3843511)
      * [Son dakika... Bakan Hakan Fidan 7 ülkenin Dışişleri Bakanı ile görüştü — ulusal.com.tr](https://ulusal.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-bakan-hakan-fidan-7-ulkenin-disisleri-bakani-ile-gorustu-15093024)
      * [Hakan Fidan'dan telefon diplomasisi — nefes.com.tr](https://www.nefes.com.tr/hakan-fidandan-telefon-diplomasisi-107135)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Finance Minister Şimşek defends economic program achievements" type="February 28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Hazine ve Maliye Bakanı Mehmet Şimşek'ten sıcak para sözleri: 'Vergimsi bir adım attık' — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/hazine-ve-maliye-bakani-mehmet-simsek-ten-sicak-para-sozleri-vergimsi-bir-adim-attik-2482717)
      * [Bakan Şimşek: Son 50 ayın en düşük enflasyonuyla karşı karşıyaysak bu ilerlemedir — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/bakan-simsek-son-50-ayin-en-dusuk-enflasyonuyla-karsi-karsiyaysak-bu-ilerlemedir/3843307)
      * [Ekonomik program tıkır tıkır işliyor! Bakan Şimşek: Sıcak paraya karşı ilk defa hükümet olarak tedbir aldık — star.com.tr](https://star.com.tr/ekonomi/ekonomik-program-tikir-tikir-isliyor-bakan-simsek-sicak-paraya-karsi-ilk-defa-hukumet-olar-haber-2000221)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Central Bank announces new FX and monetary policy measures" type="February 24 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [TCMB'den döviz piyasası ile ilgili tedbirler — bloomberght.com](https://www.bloomberght.com/tcmb-den-doviz-piyasasi-ile-ilgili-tedbirler-3770469)
      * [TCMB nezdinde Türk lirası uzlaşmalı vadeli döviz satım işlemlerine başlanacak — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/tcmb-nezdinde-turk-lirasi-uzlasmali-vadeli-doviz-satim-islemlerine-baslanacak/3845634)
      * [TCMB'den enflasyonun ana eğilimini ölçmeye yönelik yeni yöntem — bloomberght.com](https://www.bloomberght.com/tcmb-den-enflasyonun-ana-egilimini-olcmeye-yonelik-yeni-yontem-3770017)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="CHP continues opposition rallies and parliamentary activities" type="February 24 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Millet İradesine Sahip Çıkıyor Mitingi'nin 93'üncüsü Burdur'da! — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/millet-iradesine-sahip-cikiyor-mitinginin-93uncusu-burdurda-1011795h)
      * [CHP yeni yol haritasını 2 Mart'ta açıklayacak — nefes.com.tr](https://www.nefes.com.tr/chp-yeni-yol-haritasini-2-martta-aciklayacak-106000)
      * [CHP Lideri Özgür Özel Hakkında Resen Soruşturma — ertv.com.tr](https://www.ertv.com.tr/chp-lideri-ozgur-ozel-hakkinda-resen-sorusturma/32458/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Parliamentary commission report advances Terror-free Turkey process" type="February 22–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Türkiye set to found new mechanism for disarming PKK terrorists — dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/war-on-terror/turkiye-set-to-found-new-mechanism-for-disarming-pkk-terrorists)
      * [TBMM Başkanı Kurtulmuş DEM Parti heyeti ile görüştü! Masada neler vardı? — aydinlik.com.tr](https://aydinlik.com.tr/haber/tbmm-baskani-kurtulmus-dem-parti-heyeti-ile-gorustu-masada-neler-vardi-567702)
      * ['Terror-Free Türkiye' process advancing step by step: Erdoğan — hurriyetdailynews.com](https://hurriyetdailynews.com/terror-free-turkiye-process-advancing-step-by-step-erdogan-219285)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Football betting corruption investigation leads to arrest demands" type="February 24–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Galatasaraylı Metehan, Fenerbahçeli Mert Hakan için hapis talebi — nefes.com.tr](https://nefes.com.tr/galatasarayli-metehan-fenerbahceli-mert-hakan-icin-hapis-talebi-106937)
      * [Bahçeli'den Hacıosmanoğlu'na destek: Cesurdur, delikanlıdır — bursahakimiyet.com.tr](https://bursahakimiyet.com.tr/spor/bahceli-den-haciosmanoglu-na-destek-cesurdur-delikanlidir-1582130)
      * [Kayserili vekilin sözleri Ankara'yı karıştırdı! Bahçeli'den açık destek — kayserihaber.com.tr](https://kayserihaber.com.tr/haber/kayserili_vekilin_sozleri_ankarayi_karistirdi_bahceliden_acik_destek-89443.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Court rejects judge recusal request in Erdoğan diploma case — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/diplomasiz-erdogan-slogani-davasi-erdogan-in-avukati-reddi-hakim-talebinde-bulunmustu-mahkeme-kararini-verdi-2482019)
      * [Social media influencer Ece Ronay investigated for TSK remarks — ahaber.com.tr](https://www.ahaber.com.tr/yasam/2026/03/01/tskyi-hedef-almisti-ece-ronay-hakkinda-sorusturma-baslatildi)
      * [MIT-Police joint operation detains DHKP-C suspects planning attacks — ntv.com.tr](https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/mit-ve-emniyetten-dhkp-cye-ortak-operasyon-eylem-hazirligindaki-dort-supheli-gozaltinda-1713686)
      * [US State Department official criticizes EU trade agreement delays — dw.com](https://dw.com/tr/y%C3%BCksek-mahkeme-karar%C4%B1-abd-ab-ticaret-anla%C5%9Fmas%C4%B1n%C4%B1-riske-att%C4%B1/a-76085618)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
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