Iran Protests Bulgaria's Decision to Allow US to Use Their Air Bases

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi formally protested to Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova on Thursday over Sofia’s decision to allow U.S. use of Bezmer Air Base for operations against Iran, Mehr News Agency reported.

Mehr said Araghchi raised the issue during a phone call with Petrova while discussing the latest developments in the region. He blamed the United States for continuing military aggression against Iran and for policies he said had heightened tensions across West Asia.

Araghchi criticized Sofia’s approval of Washington’s request to deploy U.S. military aircraft at Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base in support of military operations, describing the decision as “condemnable, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries.” He urged Bulgaria to urgently reconsider the decision, according to Mehr.

Araghchi cited Article 3 of UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 on the Definition of Aggression, arguing that allowing one state’s territory to be used by another state to carry out an act of aggression against a third state constitutes aggression under international law.

Mehr said Araghchi also warned that Iran would defend its national interests and security against hostile action, and that any party involved in military attacks against Iran would bear responsibility for the consequences. Petrova recalled the longstanding positive relations between Bulgaria and Iran, said Bulgaria had no intention of participating in the conflict and reaffirmed support for diplomacy and efforts to reduce regional tensions, Mehr reported.