Bulgaria increased security measures at Bezmer Air Base after reports concerning possible Iranian attack targets in southeastern Europe.
Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said that “all possible measures” were being taken at the base in coordination with the Ministry of Defense. Demerdzhiev said the security measures were designed to address a threat exceeding the level outlined in current security assessments.
Demerdzhiev said the situation and developments were being monitored continuously, adding that precautionary measures much broader and more intensive than those indicated by the current intelligence on the threat level would remain in place.
U.S. aircraft to be deployed at the base
The security measures followed reports that Iranian forces were assessing possible targets for attacks against U.S. military assets in southeastern European countries, including Bulgaria.
On July 22, the Bulgarian parliament authorized the deployment of up to eight U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft and up to 250 U.S. military personnel at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 to October 1. The deployment is planned to support U.S. operations in the Middle East.
No progress in Iran-U.S. talks
Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the war that began in late February and paving the way for a broader agreement. However, the talks later stalled over disagreements regarding implementation of the memorandum and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Negotiations between Iran and Oman on navigation arrangements in the strategic waterway are continuing without a result.