Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 1, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 1, 2026
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In March 2026, Iran formally protested to Bulgaria over U.S. military refueling activity at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport, warning of protective measures, while Bulgaria affirmed no combat operations occur and maintains normal diplomacy. In parallel, Spain sealed off its airspace to U.S. military fli
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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 rejected a stopover at Sigonella base, and France blocked overflight of U.S.–Israel weapons flights.
(Reporting by Alex Lefkowitz; Writing by Ivana SekularacEditing by Keith Weir)
Iran warned Bulgaria not to allow US military planes to use its airports for operations in Iran, citing concerns for its sovereignty and national interests.
Bulgaria's Vasil Levski airport was mentioned as the site where US military refuelling planes were parked.
Bulgaria's foreign ministry stated that no combat aircraft are loaded for operations, and Bulgaria is not at war with Iran.
Yes, Spain, Italy, and France have resisted US military operations by denying airspace and base access.
Bulgaria's parliament has not approved any decisions to support military actions in the Strait of Hormuz region.
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