U.S. Tanker Aircraft Depart Bulgaria Following Iranian Protests
Two U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker aircraft have departed Bulgaria's Bezmer air base, approximately one month after their deployment sparked anger from Iran. Bulgaria's Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov confirmed the departure on Saturday, stating the planes left on Friday. The United States had requested the temporary deployment under an agreement for joint use of military facilities, amidst an ongoing conflict with Iran since February 28. Iran had previously condemned the deployment as complicity in 'aggression and war crimes,' a charge dismissed by Sofia. The deployment, approved by Bulgaria's parliament on July 22, also led to protests from local residents concerned about potential attacks by Iranian missiles and drones. Minister Stoyanov clarified that all flights conducted during the temporary deployment were training missions over allied countries and that Bulgaria had no information regarding direct threats to its national security. U.S. authorities have not yet commented on the departure. 
