Middle East operations
Coverage of Middle East operations in the Nexus archive.
- First US refueling aircraft arrive at air base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations
The first two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations, approved by Bulgaria's parliament until 2026. Iran protested the deployment, and Bulgarian residents staged protests, while U.S. President Donald Trump thanked Bulgarian officials despite Iranian threats.
- Bulgarian Parliament approves US use of air base to support Middle East operations
Bulgaria’s Parliament approved allowing the U.S. military to use Bezmer Air Base to support Middle East operations, with 136 votes in favor and 13 against. The deployment includes up to eight U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft and 250 personnel until October 1, under a 2006 U.S.-Bulgaria defense agreement requiring parliamentary approval for new uses. Bulgarian officials emphasized the mission would involve only logistical refueling outside Bulgarian airspace, with no involvement in conflict.
- With a war on, Congress MUST keep the military from going broke
Congress is urged to prevent military budget shortfalls amid ongoing war efforts. Navy and Air Force budgets for Middle East operations risk depletion within 10 days.
- Maersk makes no changes to Middle East operations yet despite US-Iran pact
Maersk has not altered its Middle East operations despite the US-Iran agreement, stating it is too early to assess the pact's impact. A report by rights groups claims the company continues transporting weapons components to Israel’s Elbit Systems.