Bulgaria will categorically not participate in military operations related to the escalating tension between Israel, the United States and Iran. The activities of the Air Force (Air Force) and the presence of American military personnel in our country continue at their normal pace. This was stated by the acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov during a government briefing, quoted by BTA.
The domestic military structures remain focused solely on their standard duties within the Alliance. The minister was categorical that the actions of our army are not tied to the conflict in the Middle East.
"There is no change in the activities of the Bulgarian Air Force," assured Atanas Zapryanov from the rostrum of the Council of Ministers. He added that our country's position is fully in line with the official line of the Pact, recalling the clear guarantees of the Secretary General: "NATO does not participate in such an operation."
In the context of global uncertainty, the Defense Minister reassured the public that our country is not threatened by a direct attack. According to him, our membership in the Alliance does not make us an automatic target, but quite the opposite - it provides a reliable shield against external aggression.
"There is no reason for Bulgaria to be a target of attack," emphasized Zapryanov. He recalled that in the event of a possible threat, Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which obliges the allies to ensure collective defense, immediately comes into force. "In the event of a missile threat against a member state, missile defense will be activated," he added, referring to the categorical assurances from NATO's strategic command.
As of now, the United States has not made any additional claims against Bulgaria. All activities of American forces in our country are carried out strictly within the framework of the already agreed forward presence, which has been active since mid-February. The situation remains under full institutional control.