ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday with, including US President Donald Trump saying he has not made a final decision on whether he will authorize American forces to conduct strikes on Iran, the UN chief urging nations to avoid ‘any further internationalization’ of the Israel-Iran conflict, and Türkiye boosting border security amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

TOP STORIES

• Trump says he has not made final decision on US strikes on Iran

US President Donald Trump said he has not made a final decision about whether he will authorize American military forces to conduct strikes on Iran, saying he likes to wait until "one second before it's due."

"I don't want to fight either. I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do, and maybe we won't have to fight," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

• UN chief calls for avoiding ‘any further internationalization' of Israel-Iran conflict

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound “alarm" about the latest escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran amid an exchange of airstrikes.

"I remain profoundly alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, between Israel and Iran," Guterres said in a statement via his spokesperson's office.

Reiterating his call for "an immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire," Guterres said: "I strongly appeal to all to avoid any further internationalization of the conflict."

• Türkiye boosts border security amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions

Türkiye has ramped up its border and airspace security in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East as Defense Minister Yasar Guler condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran and warned of regional destabilization.

During a video conference with commanders, Guler emphasized that Türkiye has been closely monitoring the situation since the attacks began and is taking “comprehensive and robust measures” to secure its territory.

“Under the directives of our president, we are acting with a proactive security paradigm,” he said. “In close coordination with our relevant institutions, we are assessing all scenarios that could affect our country.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

• French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel to immediately halt its military strikes that are "unrelated to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program," expressing concern over a growing number of civilian casualties in both Iran and Israel.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for his name being linked to genocide, as he faces genocide charges, said Türkiye.
• The Pentagon is “prepared to execute” US President Donald Trump’s decisions on peace and war, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
• US President Donald Trump continued to hold the door open to the US joining Israel's attacks against Iran, saying his patience with Tehran has "already run out."
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the country's stated objective to take control over the entire territory and the forced displacement of its civilian population are in direct violation of international law.
• UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner warned of a “rapid worsening” situation in the Middle East during Prime Minister’s Questions, defending the government’s decision to prepare military assets for contingency support.
• Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any direct US involvement in the conflict with Israel will have “irreparable consequences.”
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing support for Iran’s right to self-defense against Israel.
• The US Embassy in Israel will be closed from Wednesday through Friday, "given the security situation," the State Department said.
  
  BUSINESS & ECONOMY
• Federal Reserve keeps interest rate unchanged, in line with forecasts

The US Federal Reserve held its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged between the 4.25% - 4.50% target range, in line with market estimates.

"The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run," it said in a statement.

The Fed warned that uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished but remains elevated.

• EU to simplify carbon tax at borders for most companies

EU institutions agreed on a legislative simplification plan that will remove the majority of companies from the scope of the carbon tax at the border.

The European Council announced that an agreement has been reached on legislation to simplify the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) negotiated between member state representatives and the European Parliament.

• Social media platform X files lawsuit against New York state for hate speech law

X has filed a lawsuit in the New York Southern District Court against a law that took effect in the state in December.

The social media platform claimed in a document submitted to the court that the state was attempting to get involved in the content moderation process with the law, which requires social media platforms to submit reports on steps they have taken to moderate hate speech.