Turkey's defense ministry said that air defenses from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization intercepted a missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace early Friday, marking the third such interception in 10 days. Residents near the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey reported hearing air raid sirens and a loud explosion in the early morning hours.

The incident raises concerns about a broader escalation in the regional conflict, as Turkey is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and an attack on its territory could trigger the alliance's mutual defense clause. Iran has retaliated against partners of the United States in the region following strikes by the United States and Israel, though it has not commented on the latest interception.

Previous missiles were shot down on March 4 and March 9, with Western officials saying the first appeared to target the Incirlik base. In response to rising tensions, the United States ordered the departure of diplomats and their families from the southern city of Adana and warned against travel to southeastern Turkey. Turkey also announced the deployment of a Patriot air defense system in Malatya to strengthen its defenses.