Sofia (HRNW)- The Bulgarian Parliament has approved a government proposal allowing the United States military to use an air base in Bulgaria to support possible military operations in the Middle East.
According to the International News Agency, 136 lawmakers voted in favor of the proposal, while 13 opposed it and two abstained from voting.
The United States formally requested permission to use the military base last Friday. The Bulgarian government subsequently submitted the proposal to parliament, where it was approved by a majority vote.
Under the agreement, the US will be permitted to deploy up to eight KC-135 aerial refueling tanker aircraft and 250 military personnel at the Bulgarian air base.
The aircraft will be used to provide aerial refueling and logistical support for US military air operations in the Middle East.
During the parliamentary debate, some lawmakers expressed concern that facilitating US military operations could draw Bulgaria into a potential conflict with Iran, creating diplomatic and security risks for the country.
The Bulgarian government rejected those concerns, stating that the arrangement is part of Bulgaria’s responsibilities as a NATO ally and is intended solely to provide logistical support to allied forces.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following recent warnings by US President Donald Trump of possible further military action.
Meanwhile, some European Union member states have declined to allow the United States to use their military bases for operations related to Iran, a position that President Trump has publicly criticized.
Support independent journalism and human rights reporting by making a donation: www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
