NATO Stands Ready to Protect Allies Following Reports of Potential Iranian Strike Plans Against US Bases in Europe

NATO has declared its readiness to address potential threats following reports of possible Iranian attacks on United States military targets in Europe, prompting Bulgaria to enhance security at the Bezmer Air Base.

“NATO is prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all Allies,” a NATO official stated on Wednesday. The official also revealed that NATO intercepted four ballistic missiles launched by Iran toward Turkiye earlier this year, highlighting the strength and effectiveness of the alliance's deterrence and defense posture.

These remarks came in response to a Financial Times report indicating that Iran has considered targeting US military locations across Europe. The revelation has raised concern in southeastern Europe, where regional nations host military installations supporting US operations.

In July, Bulgaria's parliament approved the use of the Bezmer Air Base as a refuelling station for US military planes, permitting approximately 250 US military personnel to be stationed there until October. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev told the BTA news agency that Bulgaria implemented all possible measures at the facility in coordination with the Ministry of Defence to counter a threat level exceeding current official intelligence assessments.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation and developments and will continue to take precautionary measures that are far more extensive and intensive than the level of threat indicated by the information available at the moment,” Demerdzhiev said.

Shortly after the US gained permission to utilize the base, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with his Bulgarian counterpart to warn that any nation participating in a military attack against Iran would bear responsibility for the consequences, according to the Tasnim News Agency.

A British airbase in Cyprus remains the only European site struck by a drone since the onset of the US-Israel war on Iran in February. Iran has since conducted retaliatory strikes across the Middle East and warned that countries assisting military actions against Tehran risk becoming targets.

Although the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June to halt hostilities and set a deadline for a permanent peace agreement, that deadline expired on Monday, and no negotiations are currently underway.