Iran warns Europe over US military access to regional bases
Tehran urges Bulgaria and Cyprus to prevent their territory from supporting US military operations against Iran
DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) — Iran has renewed its objections to European countries allowing their military facilities to support US operations, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urging Bulgaria and Cyprus to prevent their territory from being used in actions targeting Iran.
According to Iranian state media, Araqchi told Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova during a telephone conversation that Sofia should reconsider its decision to permit the temporary deployment of US military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base.
He argued that facilitating such operations undermines bilateral relations and amounts to support for military action against Iran.
Iran has repeatedly warned that countries allowing their territory or military installations to be used for operations against the Islamic Republic could face consequences.
Araqchi also held talks with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, calling on Cyprus to ensure that foreign military bases on the island are not used for operations directed at Iran.
Last week, Bulgaria’s parliament approved the temporary deployment of up to eight US KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft and as many as 250 personnel at Bezmer Air Base.
Bulgarian authorities said the deployment is temporary, involves no offensive weapons and does not make the country a participant in military operations.
Cyprus hosts two British sovereign military bases, including RAF Akrotiri, which has played a strategic role during the USA war on Iran.
Earlier in the war, Britain agreed to allow the United States to use British facilities for defensive operations targeting Iranian missile launchers and storage sites, a policy that has remained in place under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Iranian officials have repeatedly criticized the use of foreign military bases to support operations against the country, arguing that such arrangements risk widening regional tensions.
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