NATO missile defence destroys Iranian ballistic missile approaching Turkish airspace
A ballistic missile fired from Iran, which passed through Iraqi and Syrian airspace heading toward Turkey, was destroyed by NATO air and missile defence assets in the eastern Mediterranean. First time NATO assets directly engaged Iranian munitions.
Actor responses
NATO: 'Stands firmly with all Allies, including Turkiye. Deterrence and defence posture remains strong across all domains.'
Missile launched from Iran crossed Iraqi and Syrian airspace before being intercepted. Target unclear — possibly Incirlik Air Base.
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Turkish FM Fidan's call with Iran's Araqchi was described as 'very tense.' Ankara's protest was 'the strongest in living memory between the two countries.' NATO interception of the missile saved lives.
The NATO intercept of an Iranian ballistic missile heading toward Turkey is enormously significant. It marks the first time NATO air defence has directly engaged Iranian munitions. Whether the missile was aimed at Incirlik or was a navigation error matters less than the precedent.
I conveyed Türkiye's strongest protest to Iranian FM Araqchi over a ballistic missile fired from Iran heading toward Turkish airspace. Any steps that could further widen this conflict must be avoided. Türkiye reserves the right to respond.
NATO condemns Iran's targeting of Türkiye. We stand firmly with all Allies, including Türkiye. Our deterrence and defence posture remains strong across all domains, including air and missile defence.
BREAKING: NATO missile defence system destroys ballistic missile fired from Iran heading toward Turkish airspace. First time NATO assets have directly engaged Iranian munitions. Turkey reserves right to respond.