R
ecep Tayyip Erdoğan warned Iran that violations of Türkiye’s airspace “cannot be excused for any reason whatsoever” after a ballistic missile entered Turkish territory and was intercepted by NATO defense systems, according to official statements released on Monday.
The warning came during a phone call between Erdoğan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East following ongoing U.S.–Israeli military strikes on Iran.
According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdoğan told Pezeshkian that Ankara would “continue to take all necessary measures” to defend its sovereignty after the latest incident.
The call was initiated by Pezeshkian and focused on rapidly escalating regional developments, including missile activity affecting Turkish airspace.
Earlier Monday, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced that a ballistic missile fired from Iran had entered Turkish airspace before being intercepted by NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The alliance later confirmed the interception.
“NATO has again intercepted a missile heading to Türkiye. NATO stands firm in its readiness to defend all Allies against any threat,” alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said in a statement on social media platform X.
Debris from the intercepted missile fell on vacant land in the southeastern province of Gaziantep, according to Turkish officials, but there were no casualties or injuries.
Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said NATO defense systems engaged the threat “in a timely manner” over the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep.
“We once again strongly reiterate our warning to all parties, particularly Iran, to refrain from actions that could endanger regional security and put civilians at risk,” Duran said.
The latest interception marks the second such incident in less than a week.
Last Wednesday, Turkish authorities reported that another ballistic munition fired from Iran toward Turkish airspace was intercepted and neutralized by NATO missile defense units in the Eastern Mediterranean before it could reach Turkish territory.
During the phone call, Erdoğan told Pezeshkian that Türkiye is being “negatively affected” by conflicts in which it is not directly involved.
While criticizing missile incidents affecting regional states, the Turkish leader also reiterated Ankara’s opposition to what he described as unlawful foreign attacks on Iran.
Türkiye “does not approve of unlawful interventions against Iran,” Erdoğan said, stressing that targeting countries in the region—particularly brotherly countries—was not in anyone’s interest.
“These actions must end,” he added.
Erdoğan also emphasized the need to reopen diplomatic channels to reduce tensions and said Türkiye had been actively working to facilitate dialogue and negotiations aimed at preventing further escalation.
For his part, Pezeshkian told Erdoğan that the missiles that entered Turkish airspace were not of Iranian origin, according to the Turkish statement.
He said Iranian authorities would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incidents.
The claim comes amid intense military exchanges across the region following a major escalation that began in late February.
The current crisis erupted on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iranian targets.
The attacks killed more than 1,200 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior security officials.
Iran has since responded with waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as U.S. military positions and allied facilities across the Middle East.
Several countries hosting American military assets—including Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states—have reported interceptions of Iranian missiles and drones since the war began.
The growing missile exchanges have heightened fears that the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries and further destabilize the region.
During the call, Erdoğan also expressed “deep sorrow” over a deadly February 28 strike on a girls’ school in the southern Iranian city of Minab. Iranian authorities say the attack killed 168 students. The United States has said it is investigating the incident, while Israel has denied responsibility.
Erdoğan also conveyed condolences following the death of Khamenei and expressed hope that the appointment of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as Iran’s new supreme leader would contribute to peace and stability in the region.
The leadership transition comes at a time when Tehran is facing its most serious military confrontation with the United States and Israel in decades.
Analysts warn that continued missile exchanges and military operations could draw additional countries into the conflict, particularly if projectiles continue to cross borders or threaten NATO member states such as Türkiye.
Ankara has repeatedly positioned itself as both a mediator and a regional power seeking to prevent a wider war, while also emphasizing that any violation of its airspace will be met with a firm response.
NATO officials have likewise reiterated that the alliance remains prepared to defend its members against any external threats.
(Source: Anadolu Agency)
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