NATO defences destroy missile fired from Iran over Mediterranean: Turkiye
Al Jazeera
March 4, 2026
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NATO air defence systems have successfully intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran that was heading toward Turkish airspace after crossing Iraq and Syria. The Turkish Ministry of Defence confirmed the missile was destroyed before it could reach Turkish territory, with no casualties reported. Ankara has reserved the right to respond to any hostile actions, while also urging all parties involved to avoid further escalation. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart condemned Iran's targeting of Turkey and reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to defending its members.
The incident occurred as tensions between Iran and Turkey appeared to rise. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan protested to his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, during a call, expressing concern over the missile's trajectory and warning against any actions that could widen the conflict. NATO expressed solidarity with Turkey, emphasizing its strong deterrence and defence capabilities in the region.
The missile was launched from Iran and detected as it passed through Iraqi and Syrian airspace before being intercepted by NATO systems in the eastern Mediterranean. This region has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions, particularly given the strategic importance of locations like Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, which serves as a key logistics hub for NATO operations. The base's role underscores the broader security dynamics at play in the area.
Separately, Cyprus also reported heightened security concerns after closing its airspace following the detection of suspicious objects. Earlier in the week, an Iranian-made drone caused minor damage to a UK military base on the island, and two other drones were shot down over the weekend. These incidents highlight the broader instability in the
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/4/2026