"A ballistic missile launched from Iran, heading towards Turkish airspace, was timely intercepted and neutralized by NATO's air defense system in the eastern Mediterranean," the Turkish Ministry of National Defense stated on 4/3.

A fragment of the air defense missile fell in the uninhabited Dortyol area of Hatay province, southern Turkey. There are no reports of casualties from this incident.

A Patriot air defense missile launcher in southern Turkey. Photo: Stars and Stripes

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense affirmed it would take all necessary measures to protect its territory and airspace, while warning it "reserves the right to retaliate against any hostile actions."

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchit during a phone call that "all actions that could escalate the conflict must be avoided."

This marks the first time NATO forces have intercepted an Iranian missile heading towards a member nation's airspace since the conflict erupted in the Middle East last weekend.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart condemned Iran's "targeting" of Turkey, asserting that the alliance stands firmly with its allies.

"Our deterrence and defense capabilities remain strong across all domains, including air and missile defense," Hart emphasized.

Iran has not commented on the incident. Over the past 4 days, Iranian forces have continuously launched missiles at various US-linked targets across the Middle East.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan previously stated on television that Iran's retaliatory attacks on targets across the region were a "mistaken strategy."

On the morning of 28/2, the US and Israeli militaries launched a campaign targeting Iran, striking defense and intelligence facilities, as well as numerous high-ranking officials and generals. These attacks resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials.

Iran initiated a retaliatory campaign against Israeli territory, as well as numerous bases hosting US forces in several Middle Eastern countries. Tehran also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point for global oil trade.

By Ngoc Anh, with reports from AFP and CNN.