nato intercepts second iranian missile targeting Türkiye within a week
NATO forces intercepted an Iranian missile aimed at Türkiye for the second time in less than a week amid escalating tensions in the region.
Allied Powers Europe stressed NATO’s robust interception capabilities, affirming its commitment to defence while clarifying it is not involved in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
As of 09 March 2026, NATO remains prepared to defend all allies while Türkiye has formally rebuked Iran following recent missile interceptions.
Briefing summary
NATO forces intercepted an Iranian missile targeting Türkiye for the second time in a week, responding to escalating US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Türkiye’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the interception.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart reaffirmed the alliance’s readiness to protect all Allies against threats but noted no formal action against Iran has been initiated by Türkiye as yet.
In response to the incidents, the Turkish government summoned Iran’s ambassador for a formal rebuke, indicating rising tensions in the region amid ongoing military actions involving NATO forces.
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NATO intercepts a second Iranian missile in Turkish airspace
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NATO forces have intercepted an Iranian missile heading to Türkiye for the second time in less than a week, as US-Israeli strikes on Iran throw the wider Middle East into conflict.
Last Wednesday, Türkiye’s Ministry of Defence said it intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile headed toward Turkish airspace close to the Syria border.
Confirming the incident, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said “NATO stands firm in its readiness to defend all Allies against any threat”.
According to NATO sources, there is as yet no indication Türkiye is triggering formal proceedings within the alliance to initiate action against Iran.
However, the Turkish government summoned Iran’s ambassador to Ankara for a formal rebuke over the incident.
The US has a military presence at the Incirlik airbase in the south of the country.
“NATO has been clear it has strong interception capabilities”, Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, told EU News, saying that while Iran is “targeting the US footprint in various countries” it is also attacking public spaces “indiscriminately”.
“The Secretary General has been clear that NATO is not part of this war, but NATO will defend itself”, he said, speaking to EU News from NATO HQ in Brussels on Monday.