Iran Threatens Bulgaria and Cyprus Over Their Support for U.S. Operations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi held telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Bulgaria and Cyprus, warning them against making their infrastructure available to support U.S. military operations. 

During his conversation with his Bulgarian counterpart, Velislava Petrova-Chamova, the Iranian diplomat emphasized that Sofia’s permission to station U.S. aircraft in support of operations is perceived as “aiding aggression against Iran” and is an unacceptable move.

In a conversation with Cyprus’s Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, Arakchi stressed that the use of air bases against his country is unacceptable. This applies to the British bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus, which London has authorized the U.S. Air Force to use for “defensive” missions.

This was reported by Reuters.

Iran has reached an agreement with China to supply up to 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to strengthen its air defense system, according to Reuters.

Following an attack on one of its merchant ships in the Caspian Sea, Iran considered launching a symbolic missile strike against one of Ukraine’s seaports. However, Tehran ultimately abandoned this plan following diplomatic talks with Western partners and Ukraine.

As a reminder, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi following Tehran’s statements about possible strikes on Ukraine.

Earlier, Tehran accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian vessel at Israel’s behest.

On the night of July 29, Iran launched a missile strike on one of the U.S. military bases in the Middle East. This was the first attack since the parties announced last week that they would cease mutual strikes.