US Refueling Aircraft Depart Bulgaria Following Iranian Threats

The Bulgarian government announced that two US KC-135 refueling aircraft, previously stationed at the Bezmer base in the country's southeast, have been relocated to an undisclosed destination. Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that the move was coordinated with the United States and was not prompted by any direct threat to Bulgaria's national security. The presence of these aircraft had recently drawn protests from Iranian officials, who claimed the deployment made Bulgaria a partner in "aggression"—a charge Sofia rejected, maintaining the aircraft were used solely for training missions.

This development follows reports suggesting that Iran may be considering targeting US assets in Southeast Europe should tensions escalate. Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that Tehran would retaliate against the interests of any neighboring countries that cooperate with the economic blockade led by the Trump administration. He stated, "If neighboring countries cooperate with the Americans in the economic war, we will attack their interests."

In Washington, President Donald Trump addressed the diplomatic situation, claiming that while Tehran is eager for a deal, they are not yet prepared to accept the "right deal." Concurrently, Ali Abdollahi, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, visited an underground ballistic missile production facility, emphasizing an increase in the quality and quantity of domestic weaponry. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an end to the war "when the world recognizes our victory," though other senior officials continue to maintain a hardline stance against the United States and its allies.