NATO Member Turkey Says Iranian Ballistic Missile Intercepted Again

On March 9, 2026 (local time), Turkey announced that a ballistic missile launched from Iran had been intercepted.

On the 3rd (local time), refugees who exited Iran to Turkey by land are being interviewed by domestic and international press. Photo by Yonhap News.

According to a statement from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, a ballistic missile that flew from Iran and entered Turkish airspace was intercepted by a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) air defense missile deployed in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Some of the debris from the intercepted missile fell in the southern part of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey, but no casualties have been reported.

This marks the second time that an Iranian missile has been intercepted over Turkey, following a similar incident on March 4. At that time, a NATO interceptor missile also shot down an Iranian ballistic missile, and debris fell in southern Hatay.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense emphasized, "While we place great importance on good neighborly relations and regional stability, we will take all necessary measures firmly and without hesitation against any threats targeting our territory and airspace," adding, "It would be in everyone's interest to heed Turkey's warnings."

This announcement from the Turkish Ministry of Defense came immediately after the U.S. Embassy in Turkey notified that it would evacuate non-essential staff from the Consulate General in Adana, located in southeastern Turkey.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.