Turkish National Security Council holds session in Ankara

On June 18, 2026, the Turkish National Security Council met in Ankara under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The agenda included the regional implications of the agreement between the United States and Iran, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. Officials discussed maritime security in the Black Sea, specifically addressing recent attacks on Turkish-linked vessels, and Ankara's mediation efforts. The situation in Gaza was reviewed with a focus on maintaining the ceasefire, increasing humanitarian aid, and addressing Israel's regional military actions in Syria and Lebanon. Other key topics included security dynamics in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, the situation in Cyprus, and the internal security strategy dubbed 'Turkey without terrorism'. Furthermore, preparations were evaluated for the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for early July in Ankara. Security measures were also reviewed to ensure regional stability during the summer period.