Turkey deploys NATO Patriot missile system following border incidents

The Turkish Ministry of Defence has announced the deployment of a NATO Patriot missile defense system in the city of Malatya. This decision follows multiple reports of Iranian ballistic missiles entering Turkish airspace near Hatay and Gaziantep, which were intercepted by defense systems. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has officially protested these incidents to Tehran, describing the actions as provocative. While Turkey has moved to strengthen its borders by deploying six F-16 fighter jets to Northern Cyprus and placing state institutions on high alert since February 28, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denied Iranian responsibility for the missiles. Pezeshkian proposed the formation of a joint investigative team to clarify the origins of the projectiles. Meanwhile, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Iranian ambassador to demand an explanation. Ankara maintains that its primary goal is to remain outside the conflict while ensuring the safety of its 86 million citizens.