Bulgaria's Defence Committee approves deployment of US tanker aircraft and troops at Bezmer Air Base to support operations against Iran

Published Jul 22, 11:21 AM UTC

On July 21, 2026, the Bulgarian parliament's Defence Committee approved 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 U.S. military operations against Iran. The decision follows a U.S. diplomatic note and is based on the 2006 Defense Cooperation Agreement. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that military intelligence assessed no direct threat to Bulgaria's security. The move comes despite Iranian threats warning Sofia against aiding Washington. The ruling Progressive Bulgaria party, which holds a majority in parliament, is expected to pass the full plenary vote. Deputy chairman Slavi Vassilev indicated the decision would allow Bulgaria to request reciprocal support from allies.