Note: In the following article it is said that the British bases in Cyprus were hit by an Iranian drone. This piece of information was denied by Iran and most independent military observers believe it was a provocation in order to prepare a European military intervention in the war against Iran and Lebanon
John Koutroumpis
Jul 31, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has urged Bulgaria and Cyprus to prevent military facilities on their territory from supporting US operations against Iran.
Araqchi raised the issue during separate telephone calls with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, according to Iranian state media.
Iran Opposes US Aircraft Deployment in Bulgaria
During his call with Petrova-Chamova, Araqchi asked Bulgaria to reconsider the temporary deployment of US military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base.
Bulgaria’s Parliament approved the deployment of up to eight US KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft and as many as 250 military personnel at the base from July 24 to October 1, 2026.
Araqchi argued that the deployment could support military action against Iran. He also said the decision conflicted with the traditionally friendly relations between Bulgaria and Iran.
However, Bulgarian authorities rejected the suggestion that the move made the country a participant in military operations. They said the United States would not station offensive weapons at Bezmer and that the aircraft would conduct aerial refueling missions outside Bulgarian airspace.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned that countries providing territory or military infrastructure for attacks against it could face consequences.
Tehran Raises Concerns Over British Bases in Cyprus
Araqchi also called on Cyprus to prevent foreign military bases on the island from supporting operations against Iran. Cyprus hosts two British Sovereign Base Areas, including RAF Akrotiri , which the United Kingdom uses for military operations in the Middle East.
In early March, an Iranian Shahed drone struck RAF Akrotiri and caused minor damage. The incident occurred several days after Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran.
Britain later said it would exclude RAF Akrotiri from a defensive arrangement with Washington involving the use of UK military facilities. In addition, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Britain against providing military support for US operations targeting Iran.
Cyprus Calls for De-Escalation
Following the call, Kombos said the two foreign ministers discussed regional developments and ways to reduce tensions.
He added that continued diplomacy remained essential to achieving sustained de-escalation.
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