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Bulgaria increases security following reports of Iranian interest in US assets
Bulgarian authorities have increased security measures at Bezmer Air Base following reports that Iranian forces have assessed the possibility of striking US military assets in southeastern Europe. The Financial Times reported that such assessments include targets in Bulgaria and Cyprus, potentially in retaliation for US operations in the Middle East.
Bulgarian officials, including the Interior and Defence Ministers, have implemented precautionary measures but stated there is no direct threat to national security. The security boost follows a parliamentary decision to allow the deployment of up to eight US Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft and 250 US military personnel at Bezmer through 2026.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev has consulted with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the situation. NATO has reaffirmed its commitment to defending member states, noting that any attack on a member would be treated as an attack on the entire Alliance. Regional discussions have also included potential assistance from Greece, such as the deployment of Patriot missile systems.
Entities
Bezmer Air Base · Bulgaria · Iran · Iran · NATO · Romania · United States · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Iranian forces have assessed the possibility of striking US military assets in southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria and Cyprus. www.europesays.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bulgarian authorities have increased security measures at Bezmer Air Base. www.europesays.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Bulgarian Parliament authorized the deployment of up to eight US Air Force KC-135 aircraft and 250 personnel at Bezmer Air Base through October 2026. www.europesays.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prime Minister Rumen Radev held a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss European security. safenews.bg
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence ruled out a direct threat to national security. www.europesays.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the Alliance's readiness to respond to any threat against member states. safenews.bg