Defence Minister: U.S. will not request bases in Bulgaria for operations in Iran

Bulgaria's caretaker minister of defense Atanas Zapryanov stated that the United States will not request that Bulgaria provide military bases for operations against Iran, as is the case with Romania. He made the comment to journalists in the parliament amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and in response to information disseminated by Radio Romania that Romanian President Nicusor Dan had asked the parliament in Bucharest to approve the deployment of U.S. military equipment due to the war in Iran.

“The Greek Patriot air defense system is already on duty, and we have full coverage,” said the defence minister, who was participating in a session of the Defense Committee. “Our air defense forces are very well prepared, and they are also participating,” Zapryanov added.

He emphasized that these measures are not being taken because of a direct military threat to Bulgaria, but as a preventive measure. In addition, two F‑16 fighter jets will reinforce the protection of Bulgarian airspace.

There is a ratified agreement between Bulgaria and Greece for cross-border operations, and Bulgarian and Greek aircraft can patrol together.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova