Bulgaria’s Parliamentary Defense Committee approved the government’s proposal to allow the temporary deployment of up to eight US military tanker aircraft and 250 American service members at the Bezmer airbase. The decision was backed by 11 members of the committee, while one voted against and two abstained.

Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said he has "absolutely no concerns" about the proposed deployment of up to eight US tanker aircraft at the Bezmer airbase, emphasizing that the facility is already designated for joint use under the bilateral defense cooperation agreement between Bulgaria and the United States. Speaking to reporters in parliament ahead of a meeting of the parliamentary Defense Committee, Stoyanov said the facts surrounding the proposal would become clear during the discussions.

Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova said that the possible deployment of US tanker aircraft at Bezmer airbase would not mean Bulgaria is becoming involved in military operations connected with the conflict in Iran. She commented on the issue during a visit to the Graf Ignatievo airbase, where she inspected preparations related to Bulgaria’s new F-16 fighter jets.

DUBAI, July 21 - Iran's foreign ministry spokesman warned Bulgaria on Tuesday against allowing the U.S. to use its territory for military operations against Iran. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Bulgaria’s Transport Minister Georgi Peev addressed the planned deployment of US military aircraft at Bulgaria’s Bezmer airbase, stressing that the presence of American aircraft is based on an existing defense cooperation agreement between the two countries. “Let’s start with the facts.

Iran has warned Bulgaria against allowing the United States to use its territory for military operations targeting Tehran, after Sofia moved forward with plans to host American tanker aircraft at the Bezmer airbase. Read more -> Bulgaria: Defense Committee Approves Deployment of 8 US Tanker Aircraft at Bezmer Base

Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova visited the 3rd Air Base at Graf Ignatievo, where she reviewed the modernization efforts connected with the arrival of Bulgaria’s new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. The visit was carried out in her capacity as president and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, together with Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev.