Turkiye says Iranian ballistic missile intercepted by NATO air defences

Ministry of National Defence says no casualties or damage after missile shot down over southern city of Gaziantep.Published On 9 Mar 2026The Turkish Ministry of National Defence says NATO air defences have intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran towards Turkiye as concerns grow that the United States-Israel war against Iran will escalate.The missile was intercepted on Monday over the Sahinbey district of Gaziantep in southern Turkiye, the ministry said in a statement. No casualties or damage were reported.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3How far will the Iran war spillover?list 2 of 3Why are Iranian leaders sending mixed messages on Gulf attacks?list 3 of 3Iran war: What is happening on day 10 of US-Israel attacks?end of list“Ankara emphasized its capability and determination to protect national airspace and border security, while warning that further escalation in the region must be avoided,” the statement said.The ministry also urged all sides, especially Tehran, “to refrain from actions that could endanger civilians or undermine regional stability”.Monday’s incident was the second time an Iranian ballistic missile was fired towards Turkiye since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, according to local authorities.The US-Israeli attacks have prompted a wave of Iranian missile and drone strikes across the wider region, including on targets in Arab Gulf countries.Iran did not immediately comment on the Turkish ministry’s statement.NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that the military alliance had intercepted “a missile heading to Turkiye”. “NATO stands firm in its readiness to defend all Allies against any threat,” Hart said in a post on X.Iran denied firing a ballistic missile towards Turkiye on Wednesday after Turkish authorities said NATO air defences shot down a projectile over the Eastern Mediterranean.