SOFIA, April 1 (Reuters) - Iranian authorities warned NATO member Bulgaria last month not to let the U.S. use its airports for planes participating in military operations in Iran, the foreign ministry
Iran Warns Bulgaria Not to Allow US Military Use of Airports Amid Rising Tensions
Diplomatic Tensions Between Iran, Bulgaria, and the US
Iran's Warning to Bulgaria
SOFIA, April 1 (Reuters) - Iranian authorities warned NATO member Bulgaria last month not to let the U.S. use its airports for planes participating in military operations in Iran, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
Details of the Iranian Protest Note
Disclosure in Bulgarian Parliament
Earlier on Wednesday, Stanislav Balabanov, a deputy with the "There is Such People" party, showed a note from March 18 in which the Iranian government protested against U.S. military refuelling planes parked at Bulgaria's Vasil Levski airport.
Iran's Stance on Sovereignty
In the note, Iran said it "reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and national interests in accordance with international law."
Bulgaria's Official Response
Statement from Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov
Later on Wednesday, in a statement to reporters, Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov confirmed the note and said: "Bulgaria is not at war."
"No combat aircraft are being loaded over Bulgaria to participate in military operations," he told reporters. "We maintain intact diplomatic relations with the Iranian side."
Context of US Military Activity in Bulgaria
In late February, Bulgarian media reported that several U.S. military planes landed at the Sofia Vasil Levski civilian airport, and authorities have said they were part of the NATO forward deployment which Raikov confirmed on Wednesday.
"Our parliament has not approved decisions to support relevant military actions in the Strait of Hormuz region," he said.
European Response to US Military Operations
Actions Taken by European Countries
Spain
Spain closed its airspace and denied base access, Italy rejected a stopover at Sigonella base, and France blocked overflight of U.S.–Israel weapons flights.
Italy and France
Italy rejected a stopover at Sigonella base, and France blocked overflight of U.S.–Israel weapons flights.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Alex Lefkowitz; Writing by Ivana SekularacEditing by Keith Weir)
