Iran warns Bulgaria over US aircraft deployment as US military 'stands ready to counter threats'

Iran has issued a direct warning to Bulgaria over plans to host US military aircraft, saying Sofia must not allow its territory to become a launchpad for operations against Tehran.

The warning follows a Bulgarian government proposal to temporarily deploy up to eight US aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base in the country’s southeast.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said any support for US attacks would make Bulgaria complicit in what Tehran describes as “aggression and war crimes”.

Sofia and Washington have sought to play down those concerns, insisting that the deployment is defensive and not linked to military operations in the Middle East.

US European Command said it was closely following the situation and remained ready to respond to potential threats.

“The United States maintains regional defensive capabilities across NATO’s eastern flank, including in Bulgaria, and works closely with the Bulgarian government and our allies and partners throughout the broader region,” it said.

“We remain vigilant and prepared to counter any potential threats.”