Acting Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynski said that the diplomatic note sent by Iran to Bulgaria should be viewed as standard communication in a period of heightened international tension, stressing that it does not constitute a threat but rather a formal warning. She underlined that Bulgaria maintains normal diplomatic relations and ongoing dialogue with Tehran, and has repeatedly clarified that it is not involved in military actions, that no combat aircraft operate over Bulgarian airspace, and that no refueling for such operations takes place on Bulgarian territory.

She explained that the note was not made public because there is no automatic obligation to release such diplomatic correspondence and because there has been no change in the circumstances that would require such a step. According to her, publishing it would have risked unnecessary public alarm, especially in the context of an ongoing election campaign in which security-related topics are easily politicized.

The minister’s comments came in response to claims by the “There Is Such a People” party that the government had received but not disclosed a diplomatic note from Iran protesting the presence of American transport aircraft at Sofia Airport. The political formation subsequently raised the issue with the president and requested a meeting of the Consultative Council on National Security, which was not convened on the grounds that no real threat to Bulgaria had been identified.

Neynski stated that the US aircraft operating in Bulgaria are present under NATO-related training arrangements and are not connected to combat operations. She noted that the Foreign Ministry had invited the Iranian ambassador for talks and expected continued dialogue with the Iranian side, during which Bulgaria would once again clarify its position and commitments. She also stressed that there is no secrecy around the matter and that the Iranian note does not reflect any new policy decisions by Sofia.

She further added that technical requirements had led to the use of Vasil Levski Airport, and argued that there is no need to renegotiate existing arrangements with the United States. According to her, the aircraft provide additional security for the capital’s airport due to their level of protection, and their presence does not alter Bulgaria’s non-combat role.

Neynski also recalled a statement by Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raykov, who similarly rejected interpretations that the Iranian note contained threats and reaffirmed that relations with Tehran remain stable and diplomatically intact, while the US aircraft presence is linked to NATO exercises.

Separately, she referred to discussions involving the United Kingdom and 35 countries, including Bulgaria, concerning possible responses related to the Strait of Hormuz. She clarified that these talks do not involve military operations and that Bulgaria does not have the capability or intention to participate in any effort to forcibly reopen the strategic waterway, emphasizing the country’s role as a NATO member focused on security dialogue.

Finally, she addressed the 10-year agreement framework with Ukraine, describing it as a political memorandum rather than a legally binding treaty under the Vienna Convention. She said it does not require parliamentary ratification and imposes no direct legal obligations on Bulgaria, instead outlining opportunities for cooperation and development. She added that all future concrete measures connected to Ukraine will still be subject to parliamentary oversight, and that the National Assembly retains full authority to request further clarification from ministers if needed.

Further reading: Bulgaria's Acting PM Signed the Right Agreement at the Wrong Time for All the Wrong Reasons