Iran Urges Bulgaria to Reconsider US Air Base Decision

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Bulgaria to reconsider its decision to allow the deployment of US military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base during a phone call with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova on Thursday. Araghchi blamed the United States for escalating military tensions in West Asia and criticized Sofia’s approval of Washington’s request, calling it “condemnable, unacceptable, and inconsistent” with the longstanding friendly relations between Iran and Bulgaria.

Araghchi argued that permitting a state’s territory to be used by another country to launch military action against a third state constitutes an act of aggression under Article 3 of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314. He warned that Iran would not hesitate to defend its national security and interests, adding that any party involved in military operations against Iran, in any capacity, would be held responsible for the consequences.

For her part, Petrova reaffirmed the historically positive relations between Bulgaria and Iran, stating that Sofia has no intention of becoming involved in the conflict. She reiterated Bulgaria’s support for diplomacy and efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and promoting a peaceful resolution to the crisis.