Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the government will seek parliamentary approval to host US tanker aircraft at the Bezmer air base, but stressed that 'it is categorically out of the question for military operations in the Middle East to be conducted from Bulgarian territory.' The request comes despite an Iranian warning against hosting US aircraft.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed Wednesday that the government will seek parliamentary approval for the deployment of US tanker aircraft at the Bezmer Air Base in southeastern Bulgaria, but made clear that the aircraft will not be used for combat operations from Bulgarian soil. 'It is categorically out of the question for military operations in the Middle East to be conducted from Bulgarian territory,' Radev said.
The request comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US. The Zioneer reported earlier Wednesday that Iran had issued a direct threat against Bulgaria, calling it a 'partner in war crimes' over the potential hosting of US military aircraft. The US had previously requested to host up to eight aerial refueling aircraft at Bezmer to support operations in the Middle East, as The Zioneer reported on Tuesday.
Radev's stance reflects a balancing act — hosting US aircraft for logistical support while ruling out any direct combat role. The final decision now rests with the Bulgarian parliament.
2 developments
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- DevelopingAirports Authority chief warns another US tanker could force flight cancellations at Ben Gurion
- DevelopingNew Bulgarian Defense Minister Halts Arms Supplies to Ukraine, Calls for Negotiations
Source and signal
- Internal intake
