Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey, has recently been the focal point of several significant events. Financially, the Turkish banking watchdog revoked the operating license of Iran's Bank Mellat's Istanbul branch, citing years of Western sanctions. Socially and politically, Turkish authorities conducted nationwide raids targeting LGBTQ+ organizations and activists in Istanbul and other major cities, detaining dozens under a campaign focused on 'family values.' In terms of maritime activity, search and rescue operations were launched off Istanbul's coast following a collision between two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels in the Marmara Sea, resulting in the loss of contact with one ship and its 10 crew members. Additionally, Istanbul hosted a meeting of top defense and foreign officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan to discuss their joint defense pact. The city also saw a sports-related incident where Fenerbahce's coach's resignation was refused after a bottle was thrown during a match.