The US European Command (EUCOM) said it is monitoring security threats in the region and remains prepared to respond to potential risks against Bulgaria, amid tensions over the possible deployment of American tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base near Yambol.
In a statement published on social media, EUCOM said Bulgaria remains part of the United States’ regional defense capabilities on NATO’s eastern flank and emphasized cooperation with Bulgarian authorities and allied countries.
“The U.S. has regional defense capabilities in NATO's eastern flank, including Bulgaria, and we work closely with the Bulgarian government, as well as our Allies and partners in the broader region, to remain vigilant against - and to counter - any potential threats.” the command said.
The statement came after Iran warned Bulgaria against allowing its territory to be used for American military operations connected to the conflict in the Middle East. Tehran’s warning followed discussions in Sofia over the deployment of up to eight US tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said allowing the deployment would make Bulgaria an accomplice in what Tehran described as aggression and war crimes, urging the Bulgarian Parliament not to approve the request.
