NATO intercepts fourth ballistic missile from Iran launched at Türkiye

ANKARA

A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye’sDefense Ministry said on March 30.

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 Türkiye, 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 Türkiye 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 Türkiye, 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 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.