Iran has warned Bulgaria that it could face retaliation if its territory or military infrastructure is used to support US military action against the Islamic Republic.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday that Tehran would regard Bulgarian assistance in an attack on Iran as an act of aggression and could respond against locations involved in such an operation.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and renewed scrutiny over the presence of US military aircraft in Bulgaria.
Iran issues warning over Bulgarian military facilities
Baghaei said countries should not expect to become Iranian targets unless they allow their territory or infrastructure to be used in military action against Iran.
His remarks followed reports about US aerial refueling aircraft in Bulgaria. Bulgarian authorities had authorized American refueling aircraft to use military facilities in the country, including Bezmer Air Base.
The aircraft have since left Bulgaria, according to reports.
Baghaei argued that using another country’s territory to facilitate attacks on Iran would violate international law. He said Tehran would reserve the right to respond against the location from which an attack was launched or supported.
He also warned that there would be “no leniency” toward parties involved in military action against Iran, while stressing Tehran’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
🎥 سخنگوی وزارت خارجه: همکاری بلغارستان با آمریکا برای حمله به ایران، عمل تجاوزکارانه است و هدفقراردادن مبدأ هر تجاوزی، حق ایران است. https://t.co/Fcp8GLNedB pic.twitter.com/hP0CnCFNTb
— خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) August 24, 2026
Bulgaria downplays security threat from Iran
Bulgarian officials have sought to calm concerns over possible Iranian retaliation.
Defense authorities said their assessments showed no immediate danger to national security or to military sites used by US forces.
Concern increased after reports suggested Iranian military planners had considered potential US-linked targets in southeastern Europe if tensions with Washington escalated further.
As a NATO and European Union member, Bulgaria maintains close defense cooperation with the United States, placing the country in a sensitive position as the regional confrontation widens.
NATO reaffirms support for Bulgaria
NATO has also moved to reassure Sofia.
Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s support for Bulgaria and said NATO remained ready to protect its member states from external threats.
Bulgaria is covered by NATO’s collective-defense framework, meaning a military strike on its territory could carry broader implications for the alliance.
The dispute underscores the growing security pressures facing European countries that host or support US military assets as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.
Tehran disputes reports on Strait of Hormuz
Baghaei also challenged reports about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
He rejected claims that the strategic waterway was operating normally and that several million barrels of oil were passing through it each day, describing those reports as part of an information campaign.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, linking the Persian Gulf with international shipping routes through the Gulf of Oman.
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