NATO ‘prepared’ to defend allies amid report of Iranian strike plans

What the report says

NATO said it is ready to respond to any threat and will take whatever steps are needed to defend its members, after a Financial Times report that Iran had considered possible attacks on US military sites in Europe. In comments relayed by Al Jazeera, a NATO official said the alliance’s deterrence and defense posture remains strong, and pointed to this year’s interception of four ballistic missiles Iran launched toward Türkiye as evidence of its readiness.

The reaction came as Bulgaria increased security at Bezmer Air Base in southeastern Bulgaria. According to the article, the Bulgarian parliament approved the base’s use as a refueling stop for US military aircraft in July and allowed about 250 US military personnel to remain there until October. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said authorities had taken extensive precautions in coordination with the defense ministry.

Al Jazeera also reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned his Bulgarian counterpart that any party taking part in military action against Iran would bear responsibility for the consequences. The broader backdrop is heightened tension between Iran, the United States and regional allies, including earlier retaliatory attacks and warnings from Tehran that supporting strikes against it could make other countries a target.

The report noted that a June US-Iran memorandum aimed at ending hostilities has expired, and that no negotiations are currently underway. That makes European basing and air-defense measures more sensitive, especially in countries that host infrastructure connected to US operations.