Bulgaria approves US tanker aircraft deployment for Iran operations
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Bulgaria's parliamentary defense committee approved the temporary deployment of up to eight US tanker aircraft and 250 US personnel at Bezmer air base to support Middle East operations. Iran immediately warned Bulgaria against participating in what it called "aggression and war crimes."
Deployment Details
The Bulgarian defense committee approved a government draft decision authorizing the deployment from July 24 to October 1, according to the Bulgarian News Agency. The US requested the deployment under a 2006 bilateral defense cooperation agreement that designates Bezmer air base as a joint-use facility. Bulgaria is a NATO ally.
Iranian Response
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called on the Bulgarian parliament to reject the deployment, warning that any support for US military action against Iran would constitute complicity in "crimes of aggression and war crimes." The warning came shortly after the committee's approval.
Previous Restrictions
In May, Bulgaria extended the stay of up to 15 US aircraft and personnel only until June 30, after which the aircraft left Sofia airport. Prime Minister Rumen Radev had cited the lack of US response on visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens as a reason for not extending the stay. Italy previously denied landing to US aircraft involved in operations against Iran, and other NATO countries have also refused support.
What's Next
The Bulgarian parliament is expected to vote on the government decision in the coming days. It remains unclear whether the full parliament will uphold the committee's approval amid Iran's threats and domestic political considerations.
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Bulgaria approves US tanker aircraft deployment for Iran operations
