NATO says it is prepared to address threats to US military targets in Europe and will do what is necessary to defend its allies, after a report said Iran had considered attacks on American military locations across the continent.
Bulgaria has increased security measures at the Bezmer Air Base, which its parliament approved in July as a refuelling station for US military planes. About 250 US military personnel were authorised to remain there until October.
What NATO and Bulgaria have said
An unnamed NATO official said on Wednesday that the alliance’s deterrence and defence posture was “strong and effective”. The official pointed to four ballistic missiles launched by Iran towards Turkiye this year that NATO intercepted.
Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said the country had taken “all possible measures” at Bezmer in coordination with the Defence Ministry. He said the precautions were designed for a threat level higher than the one currently indicated by security services and that monitoring would continue.
Related coverage: US Military Strikes Iranian Targets Following Tehran’s Attack on US Forces.
Why southeastern Europe is watching
The reported Iranian plans have raised concern in southeastern Europe, where some countries host military installations that support US operations. The Financial Times article that prompted NATO’s response said Iran had considered attacks on US military locations across Europe.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Bulgaria’s foreign minister shortly after the US received permission to use Bezmer. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Araghchi warned that any party participating in a military attack against Iran would have to accept responsibility for the consequences.
What has happened since the war began
A British airbase in Cyprus is the only European location identified in the supplied material as having been struck by a drone since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February. Iran has also launched retaliatory attacks on US bases and targets across the Middle East and warned that countries assisting military actions against Tehran could become targets.
More context: What is known about the latest drone incidents near NATO sites.
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June intended to end their hostilities. Its deadline for reaching a permanent agreement expired on Monday, and no negotiations are currently taking place.
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