Though Iran is less likely to target Egypt and Turkey as part of its retaliation than other regional countries, cuts to energy exports risk forcing Cairo and Ankara to rely on more expensive imports of liquefied natural gas. Over time, persistent regional instability will likely further elevate Egypt and Turkey's concern about Israel's regional strategy. On March 4, the Turkish Defense Ministry claimed that NATO air and missile defense systems shot down an Iranian ballistic missile before it entered Turkish airspace. The incident did not result in any casualties or material damage. In a statement, the Turkish Defense Ministry cautioned that Ankara maintained the right to defend itself and called for regional de-escalation. Echoing the sentiments, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed concern over Iran's attacks on Gulf states and called for regional de-escalation.