Radev and Rutte Warn Any Attack on NATO Member Will Trigger Alliance Response

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev spoke by phone with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about the security situation in Europe, with particular attention to concerns over possible aggressive actions by Iran, according to the Bulgarian government.

Rutte reaffirmed NATO's full support and the readiness of the Alliance's defense forces and assets in the region to respond to and neutralize any threat against a NATO member state.

The NATO secretary general also pointed to the Alliance's recent successful interception of ballistic missiles heading toward Turkey as evidence of its ability to provide reliable defense in the region.

The Bulgarian government stressed that any attack against a NATO member would be treated unequivocally as an attack against the entire Alliance, triggering the measures provided for under the North Atlantic Treaty.

The conversation came amid reports in foreign media about possible Iranian plans to target American military facilities in Europe. A Financial Times report cited in the government statement said Tehran had considered attacks on US military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump escalates the war.

According to the report, American facilities in southeastern European countries, including Bulgaria, could be among the potential targets. Bulgaria approved the use of Bezmer Air Base last month for the refueling of US aircraft.

The reported possibility of Iranian attacks has raised concerns over the security of US military assets operating from or using facilities in NATO member states in southeastern Europe. Against that backdrop, Radev and Rutte discussed the broader security environment and the Alliance's preparedness to respond to potential threats.

The Bulgarian government said Rutte personally confirmed NATO's readiness to protect member states and emphasized that the Alliance's forces and capabilities in the region are prepared to act if necessary.