A different version compared to earlier announcements was given by a Turkish government official regarding the ballistic missile launched from Iran and intercepted by NATO air defenses before entering Turkish airspace. As the official, who requested anonymity, told Agence France-Presse, the missile was heading toward Cyprus and not Turkey.

The official specifically stated that the missile “deviated from its course” after being launched toward a base he described as “Greek Cypriot,” implying that Turkey was not the intended target.

What the Turkish Ministry of Defense had previously announced

Earlier, Turkey had announced that NATO defense systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkish airspace. As is known, since 2016 a Patriot battery has been installed in the Adana region at Ankara’s request.

According to the statement from the Turkish Ministry of Defense:

“A ballistic missile launched from Iran and detected heading toward Turkish airspace after passing through the airspace of Iraq and Syria was intercepted in time and neutralized by NATO defense systems deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

The same statement said that the munition that fell in the Dörtyol area of Hatay province was part of Turkey’s air defense system that intercepted the threat in the air. There were no casualties or injuries from the incident.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense also emphasized:

“We remind that we reserve the right to respond to any hostile act against our country. We call on all parties to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict in the region. In this context, we will continue consultations with NATO and our other allies. This is respectfully announced to the public.”

NATO: We condemn Iran’s attack against Turkey

“We condemn Iran’s attack against Turkey. NATO stands firmly with all its allies, including Turkey, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region,” said NATO spokesperson Allison Hart.

“Our deterrence and defense posture remains strong in all domains, including air and missile defense.”