Defence Minister accuses Bulgarian politicians of aiding Iran's hybrid operation

“Iran carried out a very effective hybrid operation which, unfortunately, was aided by Bulgarian politicians. Unfortunately, this hybrid operation will continue,” Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov told reporters in parliament. He was responding to questions about the latest intelligence on a potential threat from Iran and whether US aircraft had left Bezmer Air Base because Bulgaria had failed to provide adequate security for the operation.

Stoyanov declined to disclose intelligence information and said Bulgarian politicians needed to show far greater responsibility when commenting on statements and positions coming from Iran.

He also rejected suggestions that the recent departure of two US Air Force KC-135 tanker aircraft from Bezmer Air Base was linked to inadequate security in Bulgaria. Stoyanov said the aircraft had left according to a previously agreed plan. “There is a pace to the operation, and that pace is being maintained,” he added.

The aircraft had been temporarily deployed to Bezmer in late July, a move that drew a warning from Tehran.

• American tanker aircraft leave Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base

On August 19, the Financial Times reported that Iranian forces were assessing options for strikes on US assets in south-eastern Europe, including in Bulgaria, which last month approved the use of Bezmer Air Base for refuelling US aircraft, BTA recalled.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova