Iran’s Araghchi Presses European Counterparts Over Use of Bases in US Operations

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly urged Bulgaria to reverse its decision to permit the temporary deployment of U.S. military aircraft at the Bezmer air base. Iranian state media reported on Thursday that Araghchi conveyed this message during a phone call with his Bulgarian counterpart, Velislava Petrova-Chamova.

Araghchi asserted that Bulgaria's approval of the U.S. request to station military aircraft for supporting operations constitutes facilitating aggression against Iran. He described the move as unacceptable and contrary to the traditionally friendly relations between the two nations. Iran has consistently warned countries that permit their territory to be utilized for U.S. military actions against it, stating they could "face consequences."

In a separate conversation, Araghchi spoke with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. He emphasized the importance of preventing foreign military bases in Cyprus from being used to conduct operations against Iran. Bulgaria's parliament had previously approved the temporary deployment of up to eight U.S. KC-135 tanker aircraft and approximately 250 personnel at Bezmer air base, despite Iranian objections.

Bulgarian officials have stated that no offensive weapons will be deployed and that the arrangement does not make Bulgaria a party to military operations. Cyprus hosts two British sovereign military bases, including RAF Akrotiri, which was reportedly targeted by an Iranian drone in early March. Britain's agreement to allow the U.S. to use its bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles was maintained by the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July, drawing warnings from Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

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face consequences