Iranian Ambassador to Ankara Mohammad Hassan Habibollazade asserted on March 13 that Iran bears no responsibility for missile incidents intercepted by Turkish air defense systems and insisted on conducting a joint investigation.
The diplomat emphasized Tehran’s respect for Turkey’s national sovereignty and noted that Iranian security agencies and the Foreign Ministry have already publicly denied reports of shelling. He proposed establishing a technical team to meticulously examine the circumstances, suggesting third parties may be behind provocations aimed at undermining bilateral relations.
Habibollazade added that Iran has never acted as an aggressor but is defending itself within legal frameworks. He recalled that Tehran engaged in transparent negotiations on nuclear matters before external forces disrupted the process.
“The United States has betrayed diplomacy,” the ambassador stated during a recent interview. He further observed that missile attacks coincided with critical junctures when regional mediation efforts involving Turkey reached pivotal stages.
On March 9, Turkish air defense systems intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles in Turkish airspace. After interception, fragments landed near Gaziantep in an uninhabited area without casualties.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned Iran on March 7 against recurring attacks on Turkish territory and reiterated Ankara’s commitment to an early peaceful resolution with Iran.
