Iran21 March, 20261 min read
NATO Shoots Down Iranian Missiles Over Turkey, Turkey Warns Iran
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NATO defences shoot down second Iranian ballistic missile in Turkish airspace within a week. Missiles launched from Iran entered Turkish airspace and were intercepted near Gaziantep.
Missile Interceptions
NATO shot down a second Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace within a week. Turkey warned it would take any necessary steps against threats to its territory.
Fragments fell in Gaziantep but caused no casualties. The incidents mark a significant escalation as Iranian missiles crossed into a NATO member's airspace.
Debate Over Target
Iranian missiles might have been testing Turkish airspace to target the NATO radar base in Malatya. Iran's leadership denied responsibility, calling the incidents potential false-flag attacks by Israel.
Turkish Foreign Minister called firing ballistic missiles into Turkey unacceptable. Some Turkish sources speculated Iran's decentralised command structure might be causing sporadic attacks.
US Embassy Closes Consulate
The US embassy in Turkey closed its consulate in Adana and advised all US citizens to leave southeast Turkey. Ankara has not suggested formally invoking NATO's collective defense against Iran. Turkey maintains that Incirlik has not been used in US-Israeli strikes on Iran.