First US refueling aircraft arrive at air base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations

Two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived at Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base to support Middle East operations, prompting Iranian complaints and local protests. Bulgaria, a NATO and EU member, approved the deployment under a 2006 defense agreement, allowing up to eight aircraft and 250 personnel until October 2026. The U.S. Embassy requested the deployment, which Bulgarian officials emphasized is for logistical missions outside Bulgarian airspace.