Bulgaria is not participating in the operation against Iran and at the moment there is no direct risk for our country, Deputy Minister of Defense Yordan Bozhilov said for “Wake up“ on Nova TV. After a meeting of the Security Council to the Council of Ministers, the official authorities confirmed that the institutions are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and maintain constant readiness for reaction.
According to him, Bulgaria's position is clear and coordinated with European policy.
“Our position has been clear from the very beginning and it is in sync with the European position - first of all, to seek a solution to the problem of the Iranian nuclear program. For decades, Iran has been subject to UN sanctions for developing nuclear capabilities and a missile program, as well as for supporting proxies and terrorist organizations,“ Bozhilov pointed out.
He stressed that the main risk for Europe remains the war in Ukraine, and measures for increased vigilance have already been taken within NATO.
“The main risk for Europe is still the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine. Because of this, NATO forces are deployed on the territories of the countries on the eastern flank, including Bulgaria. "There is a structure in Bulgaria led by Italy, and measures for increased vigilance are being implemented," he said.
Regarding the allegations that American planes and tankers stationed at the Sofia airport could be used for operations against Iran, the deputy minister was categorical:
“Bulgaria, together with other NATO member states, is implementing measures for increased vigilance. We have an official diplomatic note from the US, which clearly states that these planes are stationed in our country precisely within the framework of NATO measures. Bulgaria and the US have defense cooperation based on a treaty ratified by the parliament“, he explained.
When asked whether American equipment could be withdrawn and used directly in a conflict, Bozhilov replied: “I would not venture into such hypotheses. We have no rights over the American armed forces, but everything happens within the framework of the current treaties and alliance commitments. Bulgaria is not and will not be part of a military operation against Iran“.
Regarding concerns that the military presence could turn the airport into a potential target, he said: “The services and the meetings clearly stated that there is no information about increased risk. The airport is operating normally, and the claims that it is closed for military purposes are false. The closure was related to repair activities“.
Bozhilov also commented on the topic of the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from the region. He stressed that the situation is constantly monitored and various options for response are being analyzed.
“To talk about evacuation, we need to see the development of the situation. At this stage, air evacuation seems the least likely. Other options are also possible – sea or land evacuation, where this is feasible. "Everything depends on the specific situation," he pointed out.
With regard to Bulgarians in the affected countries, he assured that there is an active structure for contact and assistance: "A permanent organization has been established that is in contact with Bulgarian citizens in the region and, if necessary, the appropriate assistance will be provided. If necessary, actions will be taken to assist in a possible evacuation."
The Deputy Minister also commented on the possible economic consequences of the crisis, including fuel prices.
“If Iran takes action on the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 25% of world oil supplies pass, this will lead to price volatility. In times of uncertainty, prices usually increase. According to analyses, the growth could be between $10 and $20 per barrel, but this depends on the development of the crisis and whether alternative supplies will be provided“, he said.
When asked whether security measures in our country should be strengthened, especially around sensitive sites, Bozhilov replied: “This is also the subject of analysis by the services, mainly by the National Security Agency. At this stage, I do not see any direct threats to Bulgaria and our citizens, but the situation is constantly monitored“.
In conclusion, he also commented on the criticisms regarding the conduct of the Security Council and the participation of political representatives: “The Security Council is an operational body under the Council of Ministers, in which ministers and representatives of institutions participate. There is also an Advisory Council on National Security under the President, which has a different character. In my opinion, it is important that the Secretariat of the Security Council be strengthened so that it can generate a good analytical basis for decisions“, he pointed out.
He added that at the moment he sees no reason to convene the National Security Advisory Council, as there is no immediate threat to the country.