Iran Warns Bulgaria Over Plans to Host US Military Aircraft

The Iranian government has issued a stern warning to Bulgaria regarding the NATO member’s plan to host American military aircraft. Tehran stressed that Sofia must not allow its territory to become a launchpad for operations targeting Iran. The warning follows a proposal by the Bulgarian government to temporarily station up to eight US aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base, located in southeastern Bulgaria. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that any support for a US attack would implicate Bulgaria in what Tehran describes as aggression and war crimes. In response to the threat, Sofia and Washington sought to allay concerns by emphasising that the aircraft deployment is defensive in nature. They stated that the US military presence there is not linked to military operations in the Middle East. The US European Command said it continues to monitor the situation and remains ready to respond to potential threats. ‘The United States maintains regional defence capabilities along NATO’s eastern flank, including in Bulgaria, and works closely with the Bulgarian government and our allies,’ their official statement read. The refuelling aircraft were previously based at Sofia Airport but were asked to leave the civilian facility at the end of June. After Washington renewed its request, the Bulgarian government proposed relocating them to the military base in Bezmer. Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry firmly rejected claims that the country could be used to support an attack on Iran. ‘There is absolutely no possibility of military operations in the Middle East being conducted from Bulgarian territory,’ the ministry stressed. The Bulgarian government added that it is not taking hostile action against Tehran. Instead, Sofia urged Iran and the United States to cease military operations and return to the negotiating table to secure a lasting ceasefire. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated again following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire. This is not the first time Iran has warned Bulgaria; last April, Tehran sent a similar diplomatic note warning Sofia not to allow its airports to be used for operations targeting Iran. Aerial refuelling aircraft play a crucial role in military strategy, enabling fighter jets and other military planes to remain airborne longer by supplying fuel during flight.