The Turkish Ministry of National Defense reported the successful interception of a ballistic missile originating from Iran, which was on a trajectory towards Turkish airspace. The missile reportedly flew over Iraqi and Syrian territory before being neutralized by NATO’s air and missile defense systems deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Debris from the missile fell in the Dörtyol area of Turkey’s Hatay province, following its interception in mid-air. The ministry confirmed that there were no casualties resulting from the incident.
“Our desire and ability to ensure the security of our country and citizens are at the highest level. While Turkey stands for regional stability and peace, it is capable of guaranteeing the safety of its territory and citizens, regardless of the source of threats,” the ministry stated.
The Turkish defense officials emphasized their right to respond to any hostile actions against the country and urged other nations to refrain from actions that could escalate conflicts in the region.
“In this context, we will continue to consult with NATO and our other allies,” the statement added.
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, Iran’s capital. U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently announced the initiation of a major military operation against Iran, aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused the Iranian government of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The operation’s objectives included dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, as well as preventing further destabilization of global security.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the U.S. military actions against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to ensure the safety of all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the launch of what it described as the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a strong retaliatory strike.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of the military operation against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 3, sources from Iran International reported that the Assembly of Experts in Iran had elected a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense confirmed the interception of a ballistic missile from Iran, emphasizing its commitment to national security. This incident occurs amid escalating military tensions in the region, particularly involving U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran.