Iran Warns Bulgaria over US Aircraft Deployment

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi called on Bulgaria to reconsider its decision to allow the temporary deployment of US military aircraft at the Bezmer base.

According to Iranian state media, Arakchi told Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova in a phone call that supporting US military operations amounted to aiding aggression against Iran and undermined the friendly relations the two countries have maintained to date.

Tehran has repeatedly warned other countries that allowing their territory to be used for US operations against Iran could bring consequences.

Arakchi issued a similar warning to Cyprus, stressing the need to prevent foreign military bases from being used against Iran.

Last week, the Bulgarian parliament approved the temporary deployment of eight US KC-135 refueling aircraft and approximately 250 soldiers. Sofia has said this does not constitute the deployment of offensive weapons or the country's involvement in military operations.

(Reuters, mja)