It was confirmed by Turkish defence ministry officials that the missile had entered the country’s airspace on Monday before it was struck down by Nato air defences deployed in the eastern Mediterranean.
During the Middle East conflict, three earlier interceptions have been carried out by Nato systems, prompting Ankara to protest and warn Tehran.
NATO’s spokesperson said the alliance intercepted the Iranian missile heading towards its member country Turkey, adding that it was “prepared for such threats and will always do what is necessary to defend all Allies”.
The latest strike comes after US president Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power and desalination plants and oil wells unless a deal is reached ‘immediately’ to open the Strait of Hormuz.
He wrote on his Truth Social patforms that the US is in ‘serious discussions’ with a ‘more reasonable regime’ to end the war however unless an agreement is made he will take action.
Iran continue to deny that there have been any negotiations with the US.
A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign minister Esmaeil Baqaei claims that Iran has “had no negotiations with America in these thirty-one days.
“What has occurred is the submission of a negotiation request, accompanied by a set of proposals from America, which has reached us through certain intermediaries, including Pakistan,” he said in an online statement.
“Our position is very clear. At present, as America’s military aggression and invasion continue with full intensity, all our efforts and capabilities are devoted to defending Iran’s essence.
“We do not forget the betrayal that was inflicted upon diplomacy in two instances within less than a year.”
