US Withdraws Refueling Jets from Bulgaria Amid Iranian Threats

The United States has pulled two KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft from Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base, a move that comes nearly a month after their initial deployment sparked anger from Iran. The withdrawal, confirmed by Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, occurred on Friday.

The presence of the U.S. aircraft in Bulgaria was part of a broader context of U.S.-Iran tensions. Washington had requested the temporary stationing of these planes under an agreement governing the shared use of military facilities. Bulgaria's parliament approved the temporary deployment on July 22, allowing for up to eight KC-135 aircraft and 250 U.S. military personnel between July 24 and October 1.

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We are working in full coordination with the U.S. government and had prior information, which is why all our decisions were well-founded.

Iran reacted strongly to Sofia's decision, warning that allowing Bulgarian territory to be used for U.S. military actions against it could make Bulgaria complicit in what Tehran described as "aggression and war crimes." Bulgaria rejected these accusations, maintaining that merely hosting the aircraft did not make it a party to military operations. The Bulgarian Defense Minister assured that no offensive weapon systems would be stationed in the country.

Despite assurances, the deployment raised concerns among locals near Bezmer Air Base. Residents feared the base could become a target for Iranian missile or drone attacks. Several mayors from nearby communities filed complaints, citing security risks. Minister Stoyanov stated that all flights conducted during the temporary stay were training missions over allied countries and that Bulgaria had no information about direct threats to its national security. He emphasized close coordination with the U.S. government.

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Bulgaria is not becoming a party to military operations simply by temporarily hosting American aircraft.