05.03.2026 12:41
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that Turkey's right to respond is reserved against hostile attitudes regarding the destruction of ballistic munitions fired from Iran and directed towards Turkey, which crossed the airspace of Iraq and Syria, by NATO air and missile defense elements in the air.
A missile identified as having been fired from Iran and directed towards Turkey via Iraq and Syria was neutralized in the air. This development was also brought up at the weekly press briefing held today at the Ministry of National Defense.
"WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RESPOND TO HOSTILE ATTITUDES"
In the assessment made at the ministry, it was explained how the missile was intercepted. Accordingly, the missile fired from Iran was neutralized in the air by NATO air and missile defense elements stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a statement made at the ministry, it was explained that the piece of munitions that fell in Dörtyol district of Hatay after the missile was neutralized belonged to the air defense system.
The statement emphasized that Turkey maintains its determination to ensure the safety of its citizens and airspace at the highest level, stating, "It continues its responsible approach that prioritizes the preservation of regional peace and stability. However, we once again emphasize that we reserve the right to respond to hostile attitudes, regardless of their source; we are closely monitoring developments in coordination with NATO and our other allies."
During the briefing, the following statements were made regarding the missile fired from Iran:
"A ballistic munition identified as having been fired from Iran and directed towards our country after passing through the airspace of Iraq and Syria was timely engaged and neutralized in the air by NATO air and missile defense elements stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean. After the threat was neutralized, it was determined that the piece that fell in Dörtyol district of Hatay belonged to the air defense munitions used in the preventive activity, and there were no casualties or injuries in the incident."
Turkey maintains its determination and capacity to ensure the safety of its citizens and airspace at the highest level; it continues its responsible approach that prioritizes the preservation of regional peace and stability. However, we once again emphasize that we reserve the right to respond to hostile attitudes, regardless of their source; we are closely monitoring developments in coordination with NATO and our other allies."
LATEST SITUATION IN IRAN
In the weekly press briefing, the latest developments in Iran were also addressed, stating, "As Turkey, our priority is to stop the attacks in our region, establish a lasting ceasefire, and resolve all conflicts through peaceful means. In this context, we invite the parties to put an end to the attacks as soon as possible and to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy."
IS THERE A MIGRATION THREAT?
The ministry denied social media posts claiming that a migration movement from Iran to Turkey had begun following the attacks by the US and Israel, stating that measures along the border are being maintained on a 24/7 basis.
The following statement was made regarding the latest situation at the border:
"The Turkish Armed Forces are taking necessary precautions against all scenarios regarding regional developments in coordination with the relevant institutions of our state. It is important not to give credence to manipulative content aimed at creating public perception regarding mass migration movements from Iran to Turkey."
ACTIVITIES OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PJAK IN IRAN
The statement noted that Turkey is in favor of preserving the territorial integrity of all neighboring countries, warning that "In this context, the activities of structures that fuel ethnic separatism, such as the terrorist organization PJAK, negatively affect not only Iran's security but also the overall peace and stability of the region."
SECURITY OF THE TRNC
The security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was also on the agenda of the press briefing. In the meeting at the ministry, it was expressed that Turkey would not hesitate to exercise the powers granted by its guarantorship against hostile attitudes threatening the security of the Turkish Cypriots.