NATO forces have intercepted and destroyed a third ballistic missile launched from Iran toward Turkey, according to Turkey’s Defence Ministry, in what authorities described as another dangerous escalation in regional tensions.

The Turkish government said the missile was neutralised before it entered Turkish territory, making it the third such interception recorded within just over one week.

Officials recalled that two earlier missiles fired on March 4 and March 9 were also intercepted, with the first destroyed before reaching Turkish airspace, while the second was brought down after briefly entering Turkish airspace.

A statement issued by the ministry said Turkey remained fully prepared to respond to any threat against its territorial integrity and national airspace.

“All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace,” the statement said.

The ministry added that consultations were ongoing with the country concerned in order to clarify the circumstances surrounding the latest incident.

The missile was intercepted by NATO air and missile defence systems positioned in the eastern Mediterranean as part of heightened regional security measures.

In response to rising threats, NATO has strengthened its defence posture in the area, including the deployment of a United States Patriot air defence system to Malatya province to secure the Kurecik radar base, one of the alliance’s strategic monitoring facilities.

Iran has yet to officially comment on the latest missile launch, although Tehran has repeatedly denied intentionally targeting Turkey amid the ongoing confrontation involving the United States and Israel.

Security analysts say the repeated missile incidents reflect growing instability across the Middle East and raise concerns that neighbouring countries and international military alliances could be drawn deeper into the conflict.