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NATO confirmed Monday that it intercepted a missile launched from Iran and heading toward Türkiye, marking the second such incident since the start of the war between the United States, Israel and Iran.
“NATO has again intercepted a missile heading to Türkiye,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in a post on X.
“NATO stands firm in its readiness to defend all Allies against any threat,” she added.
Türkiye’s Defense Ministry said Monday that a ballistic missile fired from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a statement shared on X, the ministry said debris from the munition fell onto vacant land in Gaziantep province. No casualties or injuries were reported.
The ministry stressed that Türkiye places “great importance on good neighborly relations and regional stability.”
“All necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace,” the statement said.
“We also reiterate that it is in everyone’s interest to heed Türkiye’s warnings in this regard.”
In a separate statement on X, Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran confirmed that the missile was “timely engaged and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense assets over the Sahinbey district of Gaziantep.”
“We once again strongly reiterate our warning to all parties, particularly Iran, to refrain from actions that could endanger regional security and put civilians at risk,” Duran said.
Last Wednesday, the Defense Ministry said a ballistic munition fired from Iran toward Turkish airspace had also been intercepted and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense systems in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The development comes as regional tensions have surged since the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28.
According to Iranian authorities, the strikes have killed over 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
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