Bulgarian authorities have said there is no imminent threat to national security following concerns linked to US military operations against Iran, with officials stressing that no combat activity is taking place over the country.

Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raykov said on April 1 that no combat aircraft are flying over Bulgaria and that no aircraft involved in strikes against Iran are being refuelled on its territory, the Bulgarian News Agency reported. He added that Bulgaria maintains full diplomatic relations with Iran, with no downgrade in ties.

Raykov’s remarks came in response to claims by the There Is Such a People (TISP) party, which cited a diplomatic note sent by Iran to Bulgaria’s foreign ministry on March 18.

In the context of heated electoral competition before the April 19 parliamentary elections, TISP revealed a note served by Iran on Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated March 18, concerning US tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport, interpreted as a strong protest against the deployment of US refuelling aircraft in the territory of Bulgaria and their use to support US air strikes against Iran. Based on this, TISP accused the caretaker government of playing down threats allegedly expressed by Tehran authorities. 

"Iran reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and national interests in accordance with international law," the note reads.

“This note is a fact, but it should not be viewed as a reason for heightened concern,” Raykov said, adding that the situation should not be used to amplify public fears.

He explained that US aircraft currently present in Bulgaria are part of Nato's forward deployment, noting that the alliance is not engaged in a war. He also pointed out that Bulgaria’s parliament has not approved participation in military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, unlike measures taken by some other countries.

In contrast, Romania has authorised the use of its military bases by US refuelling aircraft involved in operations related to Iran. On March 11, Romania’s parliament approved a US request for expanded access to bases at Mihail Kogălniceanu and Câmpia Turzii, while additional communication equipment and personnel have been deployed to the Deveselu missile defence site. The decision was the result of broader public debates, besides the vote in parliament, and an important argument was Romania's defence partnership with the US.

Iran issued a similar warning to Romania on March 16, stating it could take “political and legal actions” if its bases were used to support military operations. President Nicușor Dan stressed that the aircraft using Romania's bases will not be directly involved in strikes against Iran, and Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruță assured that such support does not make Romania a “cobelligerent”, stressing that the aircraft involved are unarmed and limited to refuelling roles.

Separately, in a sign of continued diplomatic and sporting contacts, Iran’s football federation has invited Romania for a friendly match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SpotMedia reported on March 31. Unlike Bulgaria, Romania has developed a broad economic relationship with Iran, both before the Islamic Revolution and after, largely stemming from Nicolae Ceaușescu's investments in the oil processing industry.