NATO says it is prepared as Bulgaria tightens security at Bezmer Air Base amid reported Iranian strike plans
NATO said it is prepared to defend all allies after a media report said Iran had considered strikes on United States military targets in Europe. The comments came as Bulgaria said it had increased security measures at Bezmer Air Base, a site linked to US military use. The developments have raised concern in southeastern Europe, where some facilities support US operations.
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A NATO official said the alliance was ready to address any threat and would do what was necessary to defend all allies. The same official said NATO had intercepted four ballistic missiles launched by Iran towards Turkey earlier this year, describing that as evidence that the alliance's deterrence and defence posture was strong and effective. The remarks were made in response to a report that Iran had considered attacks on US military locations across Europe.
Bulgaria's parliament approved the use of Bezmer Air Base as a refuelling station for US military planes in July and allowed about 250 US military personnel to be stationed there until October. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said Bulgaria had taken all possible measures at the base in coordination with the Ministry of Defence. He said the steps were designed to address a threat level higher than that currently indicated by security services.
The reported plans matter because they point to the risk of the conflict widening beyond the immediate Middle East and affecting European territory. Any threat to US-linked military sites in Europe would have implications for NATO members that host or support allied operations. It would also test how quickly governments can adjust security at bases that are used for refuelling, logistics and other military support roles.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also spoke to his Bulgarian counterpart shortly after the US was given permission to use the base. According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, he warned that any party taking part in a military attack against Iran would have to accept responsibility for the consequences. That exchange suggests the issue is being handled not only as a security matter but also through diplomatic channels.
What remains unclear is whether any concrete threat has been identified or whether the reported Iranian plans were ever operational. Bulgaria said it would continue precautionary measures that were more extensive and intensive than the level of threat indicated by available information. The next developments to watch are whether NATO members in Europe alter their force protection measures and whether there is any further official comment from Iran or allied governments.
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