Bulgarian Parliament Approves Hosting US Refueling Aircraft Amid Iranian Warnings

Bulgaria's Parliament on Wednesday approved the temporary stationing of US refueling aircraft at Bezmer military base, despite Iranian warnings describing the move as "complicity in aggression and war crimes." Sofia rejected the accusation, affirming the mission's defensive nature. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov clarified that "no offensive weapons will be deployed on Bulgarian territory, and temporary stationing does not make Sofia a party to military operations." He noted Washington's pledge to limit national security risks, following complaints from mayors of five nearby cities who expressed security concerns. A majority of 136 votes against 13, with two abstentions, approved the government's proposal to allow the deployment of eight KC-135 aircraft and up to 250 military personnel. Stoyanov stated Washington requested their deployment last week for July 24 to October 1, under a joint military facilities use agreement, asserting "Bulgaria takes no aggressive actions and fulfills its contractual obligations with the United States." The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, had warned against Bulgaria allowing US use of its territory for military operations against Iran, deeming it would make Sofia "a partner of aggressors and lawbreakers." These developments come amid escalating US-Iran attacks after a temporary ceasefire collapsed, raising the risk of a comprehensive confrontation. The US European Command affirmed Wednesday, in a statement, continued cooperation with Bulgaria in security, monitoring, and countering potential threats.