A ballistic missile launched from Iran was destroyed by NATO air defense systems, Turkish officials announced Wednesday. The missile, reportedly aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus but veering off course, was engaged and neutralized by NATO assets deployed in the eastern Mediterranean.
Fragments of the interceptor missile were found in southern Türkiye, near the Syrian border. No casualties were reported. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart stated, "NATO stands firmly with all allies, including Türkiye, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region."
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Iran's retaliatory strikes as a "wrong strategy," warning Tehran against actions that could widen the conflict. Turkey reserves the right to respond to any hostile actions directed at its territory.