Iran warns Bulgaria against allowing US military operations from its territory

Published Jul 21, 04:43 PM UTC

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned Bulgaria on Tuesday against permitting the United States to use Bulgarian territory for military operations against Iran. The warning comes after Bulgaria's government announced it would seek parliamentary approval to station up to eight US tanker aircraft at the Bezmer military facility, approximately 160 miles southeast of Sofia. Baghaei stated that any activity facilitating US attacks on Iran would constitute complicity in 'aggression and war crimes,' urging Bulgaria not to become 'an accomplice of aggressors and lawbreakers.' The tanker aircraft are primarily used for airborne refueling. Tensions have escalated between the US and Iran after an interim ceasefire deal signed a month ago unraveled, raising the possibility of a return to all-out war. Bulgaria is a member of NATO and the European Union.