Iran denies allegations of missile attacks on neighboring countries

On March 9, 2026, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei officially denied that Iranian military forces conducted missile or drone strikes against Cyprus, Turkey, or Azerbaijan. Baghaei dismissed reports of such attacks as 'false flag' operations intended to escalate regional tensions. These denials follow several incidents, including an explosion at the Nakhchivan airport on March 5, which Baku attributed to Iranian drones, and an alleged strike on the British base in Akrotiri on March 1. NATO sources have previously reported the interception of a missile heading toward Turkish territory, an event Tehran insists did not involve its forces. In response to regional tensions, Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus. Tehran suggests that Israel may be responsible for these provocations to draw regional neighbors into the conflict. Baghaei further stated that discussions regarding a ceasefire are premature as long as attacks against Iran continue.