Iran has issued its third public warning to Bulgaria after Sofia authorised a US aerial refuelling aircraft to use Bulgarian military facilities, calling the decision "dangerous" and saying officials must "bear responsibility." The move — and a Truth Social post by US President Donald Trump thanking "Prime Minister Radev" (Radev is Bulgaria's president) — has stoked public concern. Bulgaria's parliament approved relocating the aircraft to Bezmer air base, prompting local protests, while the defence minister sought to reassure citizens that risks remain limited.
Iran Issues Third Warning to Bulgaria Over US Aerial Refuelling Plane, Sparking Local Protests
'Those responsible must face the consequences': Iran again warns Bulgaria over US aircraft deployment
Iran has issued a fresh diplomatic warning to Bulgaria after Sofia authorised the United States to station an aerial refuelling aircraft at Bulgarian military facilities, escalating tensions between Tehran and Sofia.
In a statement posted on social media, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said those responsible in Bulgaria "must bear responsibility for the dangerous decision to host a US aerial refuelling aircraft at their military bases." The ministry characterised the move as part of a pattern of decisions it says support US military operations against Iran.
"Those making decisions in Bulgaria must bear responsibility for the dangerous decision to host a US aerial refuelling aircraft at their military bases," — Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
The announcement marks the third time Tehran has publicly warned Bulgaria over US military aircraft on Bulgarian soil. The warning follows a social-media post by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social thanking "Prime Minister Radev" for supporting the deployment — a reference that is notable because Rumen Radev is actually Bulgaria's president, not its prime minister.
The exchange has raised concern in Bulgaria. Parliament recently authorised relocating the US aerial refuelling plane to the Bezmer military air base in southeastern Bulgaria, near Yambol. That move has prompted protests from some local residents who fear the base could become a target amid rising regional tensions.
Screenshot of Truth Socail post by US President Donald Trump - Donald Trump via Truth Social
Bulgaria's Defence Minister, Dimitar Stoyanov, sought to calm public fears in an interview with broadcaster bTV, saying he was not concerned about the likelihood of a missile strike on Bulgarian territory while acknowledging that "anything is possible." On the risk of terrorist attacks, the minister argued that the danger is lower now that US military aircraft will operate from a military base rather than a civilian airport.
Why It Matters
Aerial refuelling aircraft extend the operational range of fighter and support aircraft and are an important logistical asset for long-range missions. Their presence can be viewed by neighbouring powers as an enabling capability for military operations, which explains Tehran's repeated objections.
As the situation develops, the dispute highlights broader regional sensitivities over US-Iran tensions and Bulgaria's role as a NATO and EU member hosting allied assets. Local opposition at Bezmer also underscores the domestic political dimension of hosting foreign military hardware.
What To Watch: Any further official statements from Tehran or Sofia, additional security assessments from Bulgarian authorities, and whether allied nations offer public reassurance or further deployments to the region.
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