site.btaUPDATED Bulgarian Officials, Politicians React to Israeli Strikes on Iran

Following the Israeli strikes on Iran, Bulgarian officials and politicians reacted immediately on Friday.

President Rumen Radev held a consultative meeting to assess possible risks and threats to national security due to the complicated security environment in the Middle East. The conclusion based on reports by the security services and ministries was that at this point, there is no direct threat to Bulgaria's security. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Defence Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the State Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Service, and the State Agency for National Security. Preventive measures to increase security in the event of an escalation of the crisis were discussed, as well as possible ways to evacuate Bulgarian citizens from the Middle East if necessary.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov was briefed on the current situation by Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, who stressed that at present, there is no direct danger to Bulgaria. Airspace surveillance over the country has been increased.

During a joint statement with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker after the two took part in the 29th Wachau European Forum in Austria, Rosen Zhelyazkov voiced concern about the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. He said this is "a war which, in the way it is being fought, is a danger to the whole region, because this is no longer a military conflict between two neighbouring countries, but a military conflict across the territory of at least two countries". He expressed a hope that the two sides would limit themselves to exchanging these attacks, because anything else would mean a serious war in the Middle East. He stressed that the role of the US is enormous, as is the responsibility to limit the conflict to the effect of suspending Iran's programme.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "We call on everyone to exercise utmost restraint and immediately de-escalate tensions." Bulgaria is concerned about any actions that increase the risk of a wider conflict in the region, and supports the efforts of the EU and the international community to restore stability in the region. The Foreign Ministry is in constant contact with Bulgarian diplomatic missions in the affected areas and is taking all the necessary measures to ensure the security of Bulgarian citizens.

Bulgarian citizens in Iran should leave the country immediately, the Foreign Ministry said. Any Bulgarians who need to stay in Iran should follow strictly the security instructions of the local authorities and stay informed about the situation. The Bulgarian Embassy in Tehran can be reached by phone at + 9821 88775037 and +9821 8877 5662, or by email at embassy.tehran@mfa.bg, or call +98 9305683409 in the event of an emergency.

The Foreign Ministry urged Bulgarian citizens in Israel to register with the Consular Service at the Embassy in Tel Aviv. Bulgarian citizens in the Middle East, in particular in Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, should stay informed about the latest developments and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

The Ministry also opened a 24-hour hotline to provide information and assistance to Bulgarian nationals. "The Bulgarian government remains fully committed to offering adequate assistance and support wherever it is needed or sought," Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said.

Following is a takeaway from the politicians' statements:

GERB leader Boyko Borissov commented on the growing global insecurity, citing the conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, Iran and Israel, the situation in Gaza, and recent developments in Los Angeles. He told reporters in Parliament that Bulgaria's position should be in support of achieving peace across the region. "Such wars always have severe consequences. Iran is not that far from us."

Continue the Change Co-Chair Kiril Petkov, who attended the GLOBSEC Forum 2025 in Prague, addressed the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran in a video on Facebook: "Today everyone is talking about Israel-Iran, everyone is worried that this will be another military conflict that will pose a major risk to the world, and particularly to the Middle East." He also said: "Everyone hopes the two sides will be able to take a step back and assess the situation before there is an overreaction in either direction."

Democrats for Strong Bulgaria leader Atanas Atanasov, MP of of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria, said that at this stage, there are no risks to Bulgaria's national security. "Of course, our intelligence services must closely monitor the situation and keep the state authorities informed," he said.

In a statement read out in Parliament, the Vazrazhdane party called out the Israeli strikes in Iran as "a threat to world peace." Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said: "Netanyahu's criminal regime in Israel is attacking Iran once again in a completely unprovoked military operation that puts world peace at risk." He said the international community had not condemned the actions of the current Israeli government. The party insists that the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry should condemn Israel's actions, but expressed doubts that Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev would do so.

Taking a journalist's question in Parliament, Velichie party leader Ivelin Mihaylov said: "We are firmly against all military actions." He commented that certain states seek to establish geopolitical dominance through such strikes. "We believe this is not right - it leads to an escalation of tensions and could result in a global conflict."

The Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) General Directorate recommended that all Bulgarian airlines suspend flights to and from the Middle East, given the growing tensions in the region.

The Vasil Levski Sofia Airport said two airlines have cancelled their flights to Israel on June 14 and 15. Wizz Air cancelled two flights to and from Tel Aviv, while TUS Airways cancelled a charter flight. The Foreign Ministry said Israel has declared a state of emergency and all flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport have been cancelled until further notice.