NATO Joins Iran War as Missile Destroyed Near Turkey

US submarine sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka

NATO air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed an Iranian missile heading toward Turkish airspace, marking the first direct involvement of the alliance in the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Turkish authorities confirmed that the missile travelled across Iraqi and Syrian airspace before being shot down by NATO defences positioned in the eastern Mediterranean. Although the interception drew a NATO member into the conflict, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the incident was not expected to trigger NATO’s collective defence clause under Article 5.

The development comes as the United States and Israel continue sustained air and naval operations against Iranian targets. American officials say the military campaign, which began over the weekend, is progressing faster than planned.

In a major escalation, a U.S. submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan authorities said at least 80 people were killed in the incident, highlighting the widening geographical scope of the war.

Israeli forces also continued strikes across Iran for a fifth consecutive day. In one engagement, an Israeli F-35 fighter jet reportedly shot down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft over Tehran.

The conflict has spread beyond Iran’s borders, with Israeli operations extending into Lebanon against Hezbollah positions. Israeli ground forces have advanced into southern Lebanon while residents south of the Litani River have been ordered to evacuate.

Despite NATO’s involvement in the missile interception, U.S. officials insist the alliance is not yet formally at war with Iran. However, the destruction of the missile near Turkish airspace signals the growing risk of a broader international confrontation.