Tehran: A US Air Force tanker aircraft stationed at Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base has left the country, Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated on Saturday. The departure happened on Friday, as reported by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

According to Anadolu Agency, Stoyanov announced the aircraft's departure while attending a commemoration for the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Shipka. He emphasized that the Bulgarian authorities maintained 'close coordination with the US government' throughout the aircraft's stay. Stoyanov highlighted that decisions were made based on 'clear and accurate information' rather than 'conspiracy theories'.

Stoyanov elaborated that all flights during the aircraft's deployment were for training purposes over the airspace of allied countries to the west and northwest of Bulgaria. He clarified that these flights did not extend to the south, differentiating them from a prior exercise at Vasil Levski Airport, which involved 15 aircraft supporting combat operations.

Stoyanov assured the public that there was no reason to discuss threats, stating, 'There are no aircraft here, and we have never had any other information about direct threats to our national security.'

Bezmer Air Base is one of four military facilities in Bulgaria designated for joint use with the US. As of July 22, Bulgaria's parliament had authorized the deployment of up to eight KC-135 military tanker aircraft, their crews, up to 250 US military personnel with personal weapons and ammunition, and airfield equipment from the US Armed Forces. The deployment was approved from July 24 through October 1 to support US operations in the Middle East.