Iranian authorities have reportedly issued a formal warning to Bulgaria, urging it not to allow the United States to use its airports for military operations related to Iran, according to statements released by Bulgaria’s foreign ministry.
The development emerged after Bulgarian lawmaker Stanislav Balabanov publicly referred to a diplomatic note dated March 18, in which Tehran expressed concern over reported US military activity on Bulgarian territory. The document, as described in local reports, raised objections to the refuelling of US military aircraft at Sofia’s civilian airport, Vasil Levski Airport.
In the note, Iran stated that it “reserves the right to take all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty and national interests, in line with international law. However, the precise nature of any potential response was not specified, and the details remain unclear.
Bulgaria’s official response came later the same day, when Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov confirmed the existence of the diplomatic communication but sought to downplay its implications. “Bulgaria is not at war,” he told reporters, adding that there was no evidence of Bulgarian territory being used for direct military operations against Iran.
Raikov also stressed that no combat aircraft had been supplied or serviced in Bulgaria for participation in such operations. He said Sofia continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Tehran, describing them as stable and ongoing. “We maintain open communication and intact diplomatic ties with the Iranian side,” he said.
Earlier reports in Bulgarian media had suggested that several US military aircraft landed in Sofia at the end of February. Bulgarian authorities described those movements as part of NATO’s forward deployment activities, a position Raikov reiterated in his remarks.
He further clarified that Bulgaria’s parliament has not approved any decisions supporting military operations in the region of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway that has long been at the centre of geopolitical tensions.
The issue comes amid broader unease across Europe regarding US military actions in the Middle East. Several countries have reportedly taken steps to limit their involvement or distance themselves from operations linked to the conflict with Iran.
According to various reports, Spain has restricted access to its airspace for certain military-related flights, while Italy is said to have refused stopovers at the Sigonella air base. France has also reportedly blocked some arms-related flights connected to US-Israeli operations, although officials have not fully confirmed the extent of these measures.
These developments point to a growing divergence among Western allies over how to approach rising tensions involving Iran. While some governments continue to support US policy, others appear more cautious, seeking to avoid direct or indirect involvement in a potential escalation.
Analysts say Iran’s warning to Bulgaria may be part of a broader effort to discourage European countries from providing logistical support to US military operations. A diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Tehran is attempting to signal that even indirect involvement could carry consequences.
At the same time, the regional situation remains volatile. Ongoing tensions continue to affect not only security dynamics in the Middle East but also global energy markets and wider geopolitical stability.
For Bulgaria, the situation presents a delicate balancing act. As a NATO member, it is aligned with Western defence structures, but it also appears keen to preserve stable diplomatic ties with countries outside the alliance, including Iran.
So far, Sofia has maintained that it is not participating in any military operations and has sought to position itself as neutral. Whether that stance can be sustained as tensions evolve remains uncertain.