NATO air and missile defence assets were scambled on Monday following the launch of « ballistic munition » from Iran, Turkey has claimed.
The Ministry of National Defence said: « A ballistic munition, determined to have been launched from Iran, and to have entered into Turkish airspace, has been neutralised by NATO air and missile defence assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
« All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace, and all developments in the region are being closely monitored with priority given to our national security. »
The ministry did not provide further details on the missiles that have been intercepted today (March 30). This is the fourth incident of this kind.
Earlier this month, a NATO spokesperson said the organization « again successfully intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading to Türkiye ». « NATO remains vigilant and stands firm in its defence of all allies, » the spokesperson also added.
Theran, however, claimed that the first two intercepted missiles did not come from Iran, POLITICO reported, adding that it remained unclear whether Iran was directly targeting Turkey or whether the missile was intended to cross Turkish airspace en route to another destination. Iranian forces have recently launched a series of aerial attacks against Israel and neighbouring Gulf states and US bases. A missile attack on Friday wounded at least 10 US service members, including two with serious injuries, and damaged or wrecked several planes at a military base in Saudi Arabia.
Tehran has also been able to shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, which usually carries around 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply. Last night, Donald Trump told the Financial Times (FT) he could « take the oil in Iran » and possibly seize Kharg Island, which lies just 15 miles off the Iranian coast. The small archipelago processes around 90% of Iran’s oil production.
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