Bulgarian Defence Committee Approves US Use of Bezmer Air Base for Iran Operations

Published Jul 22, 11:21 AM UTC

On July 21, 2026, the Bulgarian parliament's Defence Committee voted to approve a draft decision allowing the United States to deploy up to eight KC-135 tanker aircraft and 250 troops at Bezmer Air Base in eastern Bulgaria from July 24 to October 1, to support military operations against Iran. The decision follows a U.S. diplomatic note and comes despite threats from Iranian officials warning Sofia against aiding Washington. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that military intelligence assessed no direct threat to Bulgaria's security. The ruling Progressive Bulgaria party, which holds a majority in parliament, is expected to secure final approval in a plenary vote. Deputy chairman Slavi Vassilev indicated the move would allow Bulgaria to request reciprocal support from its allies. The request is based on the 2006 U.S.-Bulgaria Defense Cooperation Agreement.