Iran’s Araqchi Questions European Ministers Over Use of Bases in US Operations

Iran Urges Bulgaria, Cyprus to Prevent Use of Military Bases in US Operations

Iran has stepped up diplomatic pressure on European countries over their role in US military operations, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urging Bulgaria and Cyprus to prevent their territories from being used to support actions against Iran.

According to Iranian state media, Araqchi spoke by phone with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, expressing strong opposition to Sofia’s decision to allow the temporary deployment of US military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base.

Araqchi said Bulgaria’s approval of a US request to station aircraft at the base effectively supported military operations against Iran and was inconsistent with the traditionally friendly ties between the two countries. He reiterated Tehran’s position that countries facilitating US military operations against Iran could face consequences.

In a separate conversation with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Araqchi stressed the need to ensure that foreign military facilities on the island are not used for operations targeting Iran.

Last week, Bulgaria’s parliament approved the temporary deployment of up to eight US KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft and around 250 military personnel at Bezmer Air Base. Bulgarian authorities have maintained that no offensive weapons will be stationed at the base and said the deployment does not make Bulgaria a participant in any military campaign.

Cyprus is home to two British sovereign military bases, including RAF Akrotiri, a key strategic installation in the eastern Mediterranean. The base has drawn increased attention amid the ongoing regional conflict and has previously been targeted during the current escalation.

The United Kingdom earlier agreed to a US request allowing the use of British bases for defensive operations against Iranian missile launch sites and storage facilities. The arrangement has remained in place under the current British government, prompting fresh warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards against countries assisting US military operations.

The latest diplomatic outreach reflects Tehran’s efforts to discourage regional and European partners from supporting US military activities as tensions across the Middle East remain elevated.