Iran warns Bulgaria over US flights linked to Iran conflict

Iran last month formally warned Bulgaria not to allow the United States to use its airports for military operations linked to the conflict.

Tehran protested the presence of US refuelling aircraft at Sofia Vasil Levski Airport, stressing that it reserves the right to respond to protect its sovereignty. Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged receipt of the note while insisting the country is not at war and is not involved in combat operations.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov, the deployment forms part of NATO’s forward presence and has not been approved by parliament as support for military action in the Strait of Hormuz region.

The development comes as several European states adopt a cautious stance towards US operations – Spain has closed its airspace, Italy has refused stopovers and France has blocked weapons overflights.

(reuters, pir)