Diplomatic storm: Iran issues a harsh threat to Bulgaria over US military aircraft

Official Tehran has sent a sharp diplomatic message to the Bulgarian authorities, emphasizing that any potential concession of their territory for American military purposes will be perceived as direct complicity in aggression. The reaction of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs follows announcements from Sofia about the possible stationing of US tanker aircraft in the country.

The spokesperson for Iranian diplomacy, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated through the state agency IRNA that any country assisting in attacks on Iran will have to face serious consequences. He referred to United Nations resolutions, pointing out that the mere provision of state territory for the military actions of a third country constitutes a violation of international law and an act of war crime.

Tensions escalated after Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev revealed that they had received an official request from Washington on July 17. The United States is seeking permission to deploy up to eight refueling aircraft at the Bezmer airbase. This initiative, according to Radev, is part of broader support for American missions in the Middle East and is based on a bilateral defense agreement signed in 2006.

Although the parliamentary defense committee has already given the green light to this request, the final word will belong to the lawmakers at a plenary session. Radev insisted on transparency in the process, criticizing the previous government which in February allowed a similar stationing at the Sofia airport without the approval of the legislature.

On the other hand, Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov tried to calm the public, claiming there is no room for any panic regarding the use of the Bezmer base. However, the Iranian side maintains the position that even the mere consideration of such a request contradicts the principles of national sovereignty, announcing an uncompromising defense of its own security interests.