Turkey says NATO shot down second Iranian ballistic missile after airspace breach

Tensions tied to the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran widened on Monday after Turkey reported that NATO air defenses intercepted a second Iranian ballistic missile near its territory within the past week.
According to Turkish officials, the latest missile was shot down after it entered Turkish airspace in the country’s southern region. The development represents a more direct breach than the previous incident, when a missile launched from Iran was intercepted outside Turkish territory.
Turkey, which borders Iran and fields NATO’s second-largest military, had already cautioned Tehran over the weekend against further incidents after the first interception. Despite the renewed violation, Turkey has not indicated it plans formally to request additional protection measures from the NATO alliance.
The growing number of interceptions underscores the broader regional risks posed by the intensifying U.S.-Iran conflict, with neighboring countries increasingly exposed to potential spillover. Turkish authorities reiterated that they remain prepared to respond decisively if additional threats emerge.
"We once again emphasise that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace," the Turkish Defense Ministry said.