Sofia: Bulgaria's former President Rumen Radev has issued a warning that strikes against Iran pose a "real risk" to Bulgaria's security and criticized what he perceives as the "passive behavior" of the caretaker cabinet. Radev's comments were made public on Wednesday through a social media post, where he expressed concerns over the escalating situation in the Middle East.

According to Anadolu Agency, Radev highlighted that Bulgaria is in close proximity to two armed conflicts, with the Middle Eastern conflict expanding rapidly and impacting the entire region. He expressed concern over the caretaker cabinet's lack of proactive measures and the downplaying of risks, labeling this approach as "alarming."

Radev pointed out the rise in oil and natural gas prices resulting from the conflict and urged the cabinet to assess Bulgaria's reserves of these resources to ensure they are prepared for use if necessary. He emphasized the need to review the state reserve's entire nomenclature due to potential supply chain disruptions and escalating fuel prices, which could affect all sectors of the European economy, including Bulgaria. Radev stressed the importance of predicting and mitigating these risks through proactive measures.

Furthermore, Radev warned of a possible new influx of migrants in the coming months, given Bulgaria's position as the first European country on the migration route from the Middle East. He urged the issue to be addressed at the next European Council meeting, emphasizing the need for immediate action rather than waiting for external initiatives.

Radev also called attention to the recent drone and ballistic missile attacks near Bulgaria's region, urging the Ministry of Defense and security services to discuss the protection of strategic sites from such threats, which he believes requires the urgent development of countermeasures.

Tensions have been escalating in the Middle East following large-scale attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, resulting in over 800 casualties, including prominent Iranian figures such as the supreme leader and senior military officials. In retaliation, Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.