A ballistic missile fired from Iran and en route towards Turkish airspace was intercepted and destroyed by NATO air defence systems, Turkish officials said Wednesday, in an incident that underscored fears of a widening regional war.

An Iranian vessel reportedly threatened a US destroyer entering the Strait of Hormuz, warning it to change course or face being targeted, while the US asserted its right to lawful passage.

The US destroyer Oscar Austin, stationed in Rota, successfully shot down an Iranian missile over Turkey with assistance from Spanish military personnel, amidst reports of daily missile launches.