A ballistic missile launched from Iran, on a trajectory toward Turkish airspace, was intercepted by NATO air‑defence forces in the eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday that the missile had previously crossed the airspace of Iraq and Syria before being shot down. No casualties or injuries were reported.
The ministry underscored that Turkey stands for regional stability and peace, but is fully prepared to protect its territory and citizens regardless of the source or origin of a threat. It pledged to take all necessary measures to defend the country’s land and airspace decisively and without delay, reserving the right to respond to hostile actions. All parties were urged to refrain from any conduct that could further intensify the conflict in the region.
Following the incident, the ministry said Turkey would engage with NATO and other allies. The event marks the latest escalation in the widening conflict. Prior to U.S. and Israeli assaults on Iran, Turkey had called on Washington and Tehran to reach an agreement during their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities, stressing that the region cannot tolerate additional destabilisation.