site.btaReactions in Bulgaria to Military Conflict in Middle East

Several political figures and entities reacted on Saturday, following US President Donald Trump's announcement on Saturday morning that Israel and the US are jointly striking Iran.

The presidential administration reported that it is monitoring developments in the Middle East with concern and alarm. The institution said it joins international efforts to end the military conflict and to return to the negotiating table. It also called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.

GERB leader Boyko Borissov condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks in the Middle East as a dangerous escalation that must stop immediately. He urged a return to diplomacy while warning that concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme are undermining global security. Borissov also argued that Iran's failure to prove it is not developing nuclear weapons, in breach of international agreements, fuels doubts about security and stability worldwide.

Officials of the Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition stressed that Bulgaria is not a target in the current escalation of Middle East tensions and that this country's safety is in the security of a united Europe. CC-DB Co-Floor Leader Nikolay Denkov and CC-DB Ivaylo Mirchev both noted Iran's nuclear programme, missile capabilities, human rights violations, and support for terrorism as threats to international security. Denkov stressed that restraint and diplomatic solutions are needed, including a peaceful transition to governance in Iran chosen by its citizens through free and fair elections.

Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said in a Facebook post: "Yet again, the planet is facing the threat of a world war. The reason for this is the terrorist attack by [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's regime against Iran." According to statement, Vazrazhdane insists on the immediate condemnation of the actions of Netanyahu's criminal regime and, "If it turns out that the US military aircraft at Sofia Airport have any connection whatsoever to the war in Iran, they must be immediately withdrawn from our territory." Kostadinov concluded: "This war is not ours, Iran is not our enemy, peace must be supported."

In a statement released by the MRF - New Beginning press service, MRF - New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski said that Saturday's events in the Middle East are a serious test for international security but also for Bulgaria's national integrity on the international stage. According to Peevski, institutions, parties, and the public must act together, with composure and responsibility toward the people.

A statement released by the Bulgarian Socialist Party called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Krum Zarkov, the leader of the BSP, stated: "Unilateral military action never leads to anything but war. War is not a continuation of politics by other means but only death and destruction." The statement was adamant that yet another devastating war in the Middle East is a completely unacceptable scenario, and every effort must be made to prevent it, while there is still a chance to do so.

In a Facebook post, former president Rumen Radev (2017 - 2026) expressed hope that reason will prevail and that military action in the Middle East will cease as soon as possible. He said that a destructive war in the region would pose a huge threat to international peace and security, especially for Europe. Radev wrote: "It is extremely worrying that diplomacy is increasingly giving way to force in the resolution of international disputes. [...] Whatever the contradictions in the region, they should be resolved through diplomacy."