Iran protests to Bulgaria over US air base use

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi protested to Bulgaria over its decision to allow the United States to use the Bezmer Air Base for military operations against Iran. In a phone call with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova on Thursday, Araghchi criticized Sofia's approval of Washington's request to deploy US military aircraft at the base in support of military operations. He described the decision as "condemnable, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries."

Araghchi argued that allowing one state's territory to be used by another state to carry out an act of aggression against a third state constitutes an act of aggression under international law, citing Article 3 of UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 on the Definition of Aggression. He urged the Bulgarian government to urgently reconsider its decision.

The Iranian minister also stressed that Iran would not hesitate to defend its national interests and security against any hostile action, warning that any party involved in military attacks against Iran, in any capacity, would bear responsibility for the consequences.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova recalled the longstanding positive relations between the two countries, stating that Bulgaria has no intention of participating in the conflict and reaffirmed Sofia's support for diplomacy and efforts to reduce regional tensions.

According to Mehr News, the phone call took place amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with the US maintaining a military presence in the region. The Bezmer Air Base is one of several facilities used by the US military in Eastern Europe.