US Israel Iran War Latest News: The arrival of the two KC-135 military refuelers of the US at the Bezmer Air Base in southeastern Bulgaria last Friday has marked the start of a US deployment in anticipation of its military engagements in the Middle East region. This deployment, which has been protested by the local people and criticized by Iran, has come in the wake of tensions prevailing as a result of the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: First US KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Reach Bulgaria
The aircraft that landed at Bezmer Air Base were KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft which are used for in-flight refueling of military aircraft in long range flights. In early July, Bulgarian Parliament has allowed up to eight KC-135 refueling aircraft and 250 U.S. soldiers along with their weapons, ammunition, and aircraft equipment in Bulgaria. This request has been made by the US Embassy in Bulgaria and is permitted to stay in Bulgaria until October 1, 2026.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Why Is the US Deploying Aircraft to Bulgaria?
Bezmer Air Base can be found 260 km southeast of Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. According to the 2006 US-Bulgaria Defense Cooperation Agreement, the base is used for a joint military use. However, any further deployment of foreign troops has to be approved by Bulgaria’s Parliament. The Bulgarian authorities stated that the deployment will be limited to missions of logistics only, especially those of aerial refueling that will take place outside Bulgarian borders.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Iran Protests the US Military Deployment
This action has been met with protests from the Iranian side. In a phone conversation, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova talked with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who allegedly showed his concerns regarding Bulgaria’s participation in the US military actions concerning Iran.
According to Bulgarian state news agency BTA, quoting from Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Araghchi voiced his protest against the operation. Petrova guaranteed that “the deployment in no way implies any change in Bulgaria’s attitude towards Iran.”
She said that it was out of the question to conduct direct military actions concerning the Middle East conflict from the Bulgarian land. However, despite all the controversies, Bulgaria and Iran continue to have trade connections.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Donald Trump Thanks Bulgaria
US President Donald Trump thanked Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev in a post on Truth Social for allowing the deployment of the aircraft. Trump praised Bulgaria’s decision to support the operation “despite Iran’s threats.” The deployment comes as the Trump administration continues to strengthen military logistics supporting operations in the Middle East.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Residents Protest Near Bezmer Air Base
The arrival of US military aircraft has also led to peaceful demonstrations by residents of Bezmer village and nearby communities, including the regional city of Yambol. Local residents expressed concerns that the deployment could increase regional security risks and draw Bulgaria deeper into the Middle East conflict. Government officials visited the area to reassure residents that the deployment is strictly for logistical purposes and does not involve offensive military operations from Bulgarian territory. Officials emphasized that the aircraft will carry out in-flight refueling missions outside Bulgarian airspace.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Deployment Approved Until October 2026
The current authorization permits the US military deployment at Bezmer Air Base to continue until October 1, 2026. Under the approved arrangement, the deployment includes up to eight KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft, approximately 250 US military personnel, personal weapons and ammunition, along with necessary airfield support and logistical equipment. Bulgarian authorities have maintained that the deployment is in line with the country’s existing defense agreements and has met all required parliamentary approval procedures.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: What Happens Next?
The arrival of the first US refueling aircraft marks the start of the approved deployment in Bulgaria. While Sofia maintains that the mission is limited to logistical support, the deployment has added another layer of diplomatic tension amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The mission is expected to continue through early October unless modified by future decisions from the Bulgarian government or its Parliament.
