site.btaUPDATED There Is No Direct Military Threat to Bulgaria from Conflict in Middle East - PM

Following a meeting of the Security Council on Saturday, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov told a press conference that there is no direct military threat to Bulgaria based on information from the security services and the Ministry of Defence. The Council convened earlier on Saturday in connection with the escalating military actions in the Middle East.

The government is monitoring the situation in real time, Gurov said. He reported that the main priority is to ensure Bulgaria's national security and the safety of Bulgarians in the region. Bulgaria is not a party to the conflict, the Prime Minister stressed, adding that the country is not involved in or participating in the military operation. There is no requirement to provide Bulgarian territory for military operations, and there is no change in the combat readiness of the Bulgarian armed forces, the Prime Minister said.

At present, there are no risks to the life, safety and peace of mind of the people of Bulgaria. The Ministry of the Interior and the security services have taken the necessary preventive measures to ensure public order, and there is no cause for concern in people's daily lives, Gurov said.

Gurov reported that a crisis taskforce is already working around the clock at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All Bulgarian diplomatic missions in the region are in constant contact with the Bulgarian communities, and specific evacuation plans have been discussed in case the situation requires it. Gurov called on Bulgarians in Iran and neighbouring countries to strictly follow the instructions of local authorities and the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Regarding the risks and possible migration pressure, Gurov said that the potential economic consequences and the risk of increased migration pressure are being analysed. He added: "Our border services are on high alert to ensure the security of the country's borders and those of the European Union. State institutions are working in complete harmony."

In response to a question about whether the Bulgarian services had sufficient advance intelligence about the escalation of the conflict, Gurov said that the services are engaged in gathering this information, and the government has been informed. An economic risk has been identified, and if traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, there will be delays in energy deliveries, and a short-term inflationary effect can be expected. The Prime Minister noted that the situation is being closely monitored, and the government is ready to respond. Neftochim has reserves at almost 100% capacity, so fuel supplies to Bulgarian citizens are secured for the coming months.

Earlier Saturday, global news agencies reported on military escalation between Israel and Iran. Israel stated that it had launched a preemptive strike against Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US armed forces had launched a military operation against Iran. He described it as a large-scale combat operation.

Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Iran, said that Tehran was forced to strike the source of aggression against the country, warning that any point in the region used by the US against Iran would be a legitimate target for the Islamic Republic, as reported by the Iranian news agency IRNA.