Daily Highlights — March 25, 2026

Headlines

Trump: "Iran is out of missiles, we won the war"

• What happened: In a press briefing at the White House, President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are ongoing. He noted that he is in contact with the "right people" and claimed that Iran is seeking a deal. Trump also declared, "Iran is out of missiles, we won the war."
• Why it matters: As the conflict enters its 24th day, these remarks suggest a potential ceasefire is on the horizon. Global markets and oil prices remain highly sensitive to these developments.

Trump: "If a deal is made, oil prices will plummet"

• What happened: According to Milliyet, Trump claimed that a potential deal with Iran would significantly push oil prices down. In response to Trump's mention of a "5-day delay," Iran countered by calling the move a "retreat by the devil."
• Why it matters: With Middle Eastern tensions weighing heavily on energy markets, the conflicting signals from both sides highlight how fragile the negotiation process remains.

Borsa Istanbul slides: BIST 100 drops 1.81%

• What happened: On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the BIST 100 index closed at 12,930.16 points, down 1.81%. The USD/TRY exchange rate rose by 0.08% to 44.35, while gold prices in the free market increased by 0.16% to 6,288.09 TRY.
• Why it matters: Uncertainty in the Middle East and conflicting diplomatic messages are shaking investor confidence, and the sharp drop in the index reflects this cautious sentiment.

Bahçeli: "Our call for a terror-free Turkey is understood"

• What happened: MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli addressed his party's parliamentary group. Regarding the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, he argued that "the real regime change should take place in Israel."
• Why it matters: Bahçeli’s remarks, which touch on both domestic politics and the Middle East, are significant as they reveal the ruling coalition's current stance.

Emine Ülker Tarhan returns to the CHP

• What happened: According to reports from Yeni Çağ, Emine Ülker Tarhan rejoined the Republican People's Party (CHP) as of March 24, 2026.
• Why it matters: Tarhan’s return is seen as a major development within the opposition and has caused quite a stir in political circles.

Economy and Business

Global markets look for clarity on the Middle East

Global markets are experiencing volatility due to Middle Eastern tensions. President Trump's peace signals, combined with Iran’s conflicting statements, are keeping investors on high alert. Everyone is also waiting for global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data.

Mahfi Eğilmez: "Markets are in the grip of manipulation"

In his analysis for Cumhuriyet, economist Mahfi Eğilmez pointed out that market fluctuations are being shaped not just by economic data, but by the political rhetoric of leaders like Trump, which is having a decisive impact on investor confidence.