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Iranian Missile Intercepted by NATO Towards Turkey Raises Regional Tensions

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Ballistic missile destroyed over the Mediterranean after crossing Iraqi and Syrian airspace; fragment lands in Hatay province with no injuries

A ballistic missile launched by Iran toward Turkey was intercepted by NATO forces over the Mediterranean Sea, officials confirmed, marking a tense development in the ongoing conflict between Iran and United States–Israel.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, the missile had passed through Iraq and Syria before being destroyed. Debris fell in the province of Hatay. Authorities reported no casualties or injuries.

In a statement shared on X, the ministry emphasized that Turkey, while acting as a stabilizing force in the region, is fully prepared to defend its territory and citizens from any threat. It stressed that all measures to secure national airspace will be applied decisively, reserving the right to respond to hostile acts.

Ankara sources told AFP that Turkey was not the intended target. Officials said the missile was likely aimed at a base on the Greek-controlled part of Cyprus but veered off course.

NATO condemned the missile launch and reaffirmed support for all member states. This incident marks the first interception of an Iranian missile heading toward a NATO member since the start of the Israeli-American operation against Tehran.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clarified that the event does not trigger Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which calls for collective defense in the event of an attack on a member country.

On the diplomatic front, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Fidan urged restraint, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict further.

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