NATO’s air defense system intercepted and destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile that was heading toward Turkish airspace according to foreign media reports. Turkish authorities confirmed that the missile was tracked as it passed through Iraqi and Syrian airspace before approaching Turkey.

The interception was carried out by NATO’s air and missile defense system deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean. Officials stated that debris from the destroyed missile fell in the Hatay region. The province is located near the city of Incirlik, where a major US airbase operates under NATO arrangements.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization confirmed that the defensive action was taken to ensure the security of allied territory. Turkey urged all parties to refrain from steps that could further escalate tensions in the region.

Following the incident, Ankara summoned Iran’s ambassador to lodge a formal protest. According to diplomatic sources Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to convey Turkey’s concerns.

Iran has not issued an immediate response regarding the missile interception.