Sofia: Two US military tanker aircraft recently stationed at Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base conducted flights only to NATO countries for exercises and training, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated at a news conference in Sofia. Radev emphasized that the aircraft did not fly south and only participated in exercises and training activities in NATO countries to the north and west of Bulgaria. This announcement was made in response to inquiries about the aircraft's activities and any potential security threat to Bulgaria following remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.

According to Anadolu Agency, Baghaei had commented that countries should not fear potential Iranian action unless they allowed their bases, facilities, or equipment to be used by aggressors for illegal activities. Radev assured that Bulgaria does not perceive any threat and that all necessary precautions have been considered. The discussions also touched on whether the aircraft would return to Bulgaria after their departure from Bezmer Air Base on Friday.

Bulgaria's parliament had previously authorized the deployment of up to eight US KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft, their crews, and up to 250 US military personnel, along with supporting airfield equipment. This deployment, which took place from July 24 to October 1, was intended to support US operations in the Middle East, with the aircraft stationed at Bezmer Air Base.