Bulgarian Parliament Approves Request for Temporary Stationing of US Tankers in Bulgaria

On July 22, the Bulgarian Parliament voted to approve the deployment of up to 8 U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft along with their crews, up to 250 U.S. personnel carrying personal weapons and ammunition, and related airport equipment to be stationed at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 to October 1, 2026.

On July 21 local time, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it had received a diplomatic note from the Iranian Embassy in Bulgaria regarding the possible deployment of aerial refueling aircraft by the U.S. Air Force at Bezmer Air Base. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Bulgaria would not take any hostile actions against Iran, in line with its treaty obligations to its ally, the United States. Any military operations in the Middle East could not be conducted from Bulgarian territory. It is hoped that all parties to the conflict can quickly reaffirm their commitment to de-escalate the situation and cease hostilities.

Previously, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei warned Bulgaria not to allow the U.S. to "use its territory to launch military actions against Iran."

(Reporter Yang Mingjiao from the Central Broadcasting Station)