Bulgaria rejects claims that US refueling planes would target Iran

Prime Minister Rumen Radev emphasized that no Middle East combat actions would originate from the nation's soil.

FILE PHOTO: US Air Force planes on the tarmac of Sofia airport, Bulgaria, February 19, 2026.

(photo credit: STOYAN NENOV/REUTERS)

ByREUTERS

JULY 22, 2026 12:47

Bulgaria on Wednesday dismissed Iran's caution regarding its intention to accommodate American refueling planes, insisting these would only handle support roles.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev emphasized that no Middle East combat actions would originate from the nation's soil.

"These refueling planes are meant strictly for support duties, and they will receive fuel beyond Bulgarian airspace," Bulgarian media quoted Radev as telling ministers.

Bulgaria confirmed plans to request permission for several US tankers at a local air base

The government announced on Monday it would ask parliament to approve up to eight US refueling aircraft at a Balkan air base in the NATO and EU member state. Parliament is set to approve the proposal during a session later on Wednesday.

The proposal drew a warning from Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, on Tuesday against permitting the US to operate from Bulgarian soil against Iran, which he claimed would turn Sofia into "an accomplice of aggressors and lawbreakers."

The Bulgarian government has indicated it plans to base the US aircraft at the Bezmer military site, roughly 260 km (160 miles) southeast of Sofia.

The US and Iran have stepped up strikes since an interim ceasefire agreement reached a month ago collapsed, increasing chances of full-scale conflict.