Bulgarian defense minister denies direct Iranian threat over U.S. aircraft presence

Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov has dismissed reports suggesting Iran poses a direct threat to his country's national security due to the presence of U.S. aircraft on Bulgarian soil. Stoyanov stated that he relies on information from Bulgarian security services, not press articles, and has received no indication of danger to national security or to bases hosting American planes.

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I am not guided by press articles, but by the documents I receive from our security services. Yesterday I received a document from the Military Intelligence Service which clearly states that there is no direct threat to our national security.

The minister's comments were a direct response to a report in the British newspaper Financial Times. The report, citing sources close to the Iranian regime, suggested that Iran is considering retaliatory actions against U.S. assets in southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria, if Washington escalates attacks against the Islamic Republic. Stoyanov characterized such reports as generating unnecessary panic.

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There is no danger to the bases where American aircraft are deployed or to other locations on Bulgarian territory.

He also revealed that Bulgaria has contacted London for clarification regarding the Financial Times article. "We requested information from the United Kingdom in relation to this FT article. There is no change in the security environment," Stoyanov told local media in Sofia. His remarks followed a press conference by Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev, who confirmed that security measures in the NATO member state have been enhanced in coordination with the Defense Ministry.

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These are opinions that generate unnecessary panic among the population and there is no need for them.

Specifically, "all possible measures" are being implemented at Bezmer air base, a central location where U.S. aircraft are stationed. In July, the Bulgarian Parliament authorized the deployment of up to eight U.S. tanker aircraft to Bezmer for refueling operations in the Middle East. Local media reports suggest two such aircraft are currently at the base, though the Defense Ministry has not confirmed specific numbers. Bulgaria also recently announced the acquisition of two anti-drone systems from the U.S. company Axon, amid heightened air security concerns following a recent incursion by a Ukrainian drone originating from Romania.

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Today we requested information from the United Kingdom in relation to this FT article. There is no change in the security environment.