In brief
Turkey’s parliament approves the Mecca Agreement, a trilateral defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, amid 279‑to‑119 votes and a 398‑member turnout. President Donald Trump warns of the potential destruction of Iran, a statement he made from the Oval Office. Israeli President Isaac Herzog reveals he will appoint a coalition‑builder next Sunday, pending consultations. European passenger flights also report at least 18 bomb threats.
TURKEY – The Turkish parliament today ratified the Mecca Agreement, a joint defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, clearing the way for the trilateral security arrangement to take effect. Lawmakers endorsed the measure by 279 votes to 119, with 398 of the chamber’s 592 members voting. Ruling Justice and Development Party lawmaker Ziya Altunyaldiz said the agreement “aims to expand security cooperation in the region” and that it contains no approach against any third country.
DONALD TRUMP – U.S. President Donald Trump warned in the Oval Office that he may have to “destroy the rest” of Iran, saying: “I would rather not destroy the rest of the country, if possible, but maybe I’ll have to. And you’ll know soon enough.” He also dismissed speculation that he would replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating that Pete was doing a very good job.
ISAAC HERZOG – Israel’s president said in a Thursday video message that he will announce Sunday which lawmaker will be tasked with forming the next government, following consultations with political parties after last month’s elections. He reported that parties representing 67 of the 120 Knesset seats recommended Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, while parties holding 46 seats backed incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Herzog added that “the ability to form a government remains uncertain due to mutual objections between and within political blocs” and that he would hold further talks with party leaders.
EUROPE: – At least 18 passenger flights across Europe faced reported bomb threats, prompting emergency responses on board. The incidents were confirmed by the transport authorities with no further details released.
