NATO air defences in the eastern Mediterranean have shot down a third ballistic missile that was fired from Iran towards Turkiye, according to the Turkish Defence Ministry, adding that it was asking Tehran for clarification, as the United States and Israeli war on Iran reverberates further west,
Al Jazeera reports.
“A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralised by NATO air and missile defence assets deployed in the eastern Mediterranean,” a ministry statement said on Friday.
NATO confirmed the latest development. “NATO remains vigilant and stands firm in its defence of all allies,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said.
NATO air defences shot down the first Iranian ballistic missile fired at Turkiye on March 4, followed by the shooting down of a second Iranian missile on March 9.
The ministry has said the first incoming missile was downed en route to Turkish airspace, while the second entered it.
The missiles increasingly pose a test for NATO member Ankara and the alliance. Ankara, NATO’s second-largest army and Iran’s neighbour, has warned Tehran against any more attacks.
It also protested to Tehran after every incident, but has not suggested it wants to formally call on alliance members for protection.
“All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace. Consultations are being conducted with the relevant country to clarify all aspects of the incident,” Friday’s ministry statement said.
There was no immediate comment from Iran on the latest incident, but it has so far repeatedly denied deliberately targeting Turkiye amid its war with the United States and Israel.
