Bulgaria denies US tanker aircraft will be used in operations against Iran

Bulgaria has pushed back against Iran's warning that hosting U.S. tanker aircraft would make it complicit in "aggression and war crimes" in the Middle East. Prime Minister Rumen Radev categorically stated that military operations in the Middle East would not be conducted from Bulgarian territory.

Radev clarified that the tanker aircraft are intended exclusively for logistical missions and will be refueled outside Bulgarian airspace. The Bulgarian government announced its intention to seek parliamentary approval to station up to eight U.S. tanker aircraft at the Bezmer military facility, located approximately 260 km southeast of Sofia. Parliament is expected to approve this measure.

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categorically out of the question for military operations in the Middle East to be conducted from Bulgarian territory.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson had previously warned Bulgaria against allowing its territory to be used for military operations against Iran, asserting that such actions would make Sofia an "accomplice of aggressors and lawbreakers." The U.S. and Iran have seen an escalation in hostilities since a temporary ceasefire deal collapsed a month ago, increasing the possibility of a return to full-scale conflict.

Bulgaria, a member of both NATO and the European Union, is positioning itself to support logistical operations for U.S. forces. The government's plan to host the tanker aircraft aims to facilitate these logistical needs while reassuring allies and denying any intention of engaging in direct military action from its soil.

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These tanker aircraft are intended solely for logistical missions, and they will be refueled outside Bulgarian airspace.