Missile Shot Down by NATO, Iran Warns Turkey It Will Continue to Retaliate Against US-Israel Attacks

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi told Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that Tehran would continue its military response to attacks by Israel and the United States. The warning followed Iran’s missile directed at Cyprus, which was shot down by NATO air defence systems in Turkey.

According to Al Jazeera, on Thursday (5 March 2026), in a telephone conversation with Hakan Fidan, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said the Iranian armed forces would not stop until what he described as the enemy’s aggression had been repelled, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on X.

Araqchi said the strikes targeted bases used to plan and carry out attacks against the country, adding that Tehran regards its actions as in accordance with international law.

The conversation occurred after Turkey summoned Iran’s ambassador in Ankara to protest ballistic missiles that had flown toward Turkish airspace, according to Turkish diplomatic sources cited by Reuters.

A ballistic missile launched from Iran toward Turkish airspace via Iraq and Syria was destroyed by NATO air defence systems. The Iranian missile was said to have been aimed at Cyprus, not Turkey.

According to AFP on Wednesday (4 March), Turkey’s defence ministry said the missile had been “blocked and neutralised by air and missile defence assets of NATO stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.” They did not specify the target of the missile.

An official in Turkey, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the missile was “intended for bases in Greek Cyprus but veered off course”.

Officials said debris falling in the Dortyol district in southern Turkey, near the border with Syria, were identified as parts of the interceptor used to neutralise “a threat in the air.” No casualties were reported.

“NATO stands firmly with all its allies, including Turkey, as Iran continues to carry out indiscriminate attacks across the region,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said.