NATO Intercepts Fourth Missile Launched From Iran Toward Turkey

According to the ministry, authorities are monitoring developments closely and are responding decisively to any threat to the country’s territory or airspace.

In a written statement, the ministry said all necessary measures were being taken “decisively and without hesitation” against any threat directed at Turkey, adding that national security remained the top priority.

NATO also confirmed the interception, with a spokeswoman saying the alliance had again intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading toward Turkey and remained prepared to defend all allies.

The latest incident appeared to be the fourth such interception this month.

On March 4, the ministry said a ballistic munition launched from Iran was detected after passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace and was destroyed before reaching Turkey, with interceptor fragments later found in the Dörtyol district of Hatay. 

On March 9, another missile entering Turkish airspace was neutralized, with debris falling on vacant land in Gaziantep and no casualties reported. On March 13, the ministry announced a third interception over Turkish airspace.

The Iranian missiles have reportedly targeted the Turkish base in İncirlik where American troops are stationed. They are also using the NATO radar station in Kürecik province of Malatya. NATO has reinforced the air defense systems in Turkey by deploying two Patriot systems in Malatya and İncirlik.

Turkey has been urging Iran not to attack regional countries, including Turkey, with fears that the war between the U.S.-Israel and Iran can further spread.

The region has remained on edge since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation across several countries in the Middle East. The conflict has disrupted transport and energy markets and heightened fears of wider regional escalation.