site.btaPresident Radev Sees No Need for National Security Council Meeting over Iran Tensions

At this time, there is no need to convene a meeting of the Consultative Council on National Security (CCNS), President Rumen Radev said on Monday, responding to a journalist’s question regarding the escalation of tensions in Iran.

Radev was speaking in the village of Dren, Radomir Municipality, Southwestern Bulgaria, where he took part in an event marking the 35th anniversary of SOS Children's Villages Bulgaria.

Radev recalled that in the early hours following the sharp escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, he convened a meeting with the responsible ministries and security services to assess all possible aspects and consequences. He added that a CCNS meeting had already been held in October regarding the same conflict.

The President warned that the world is entering a period where security is no longer guaranteed, and stability is becoming a luxury. “We are already witnessing the breakdown of the system of international law, with all consequences thereof,” he said. According to Radev, there is a growing tendency to resort to missiles and bombs, while supply chains are being disrupted abruptly and unpredictably. Prices are rising outside any economic logic, he noted.

Radev stressed that Bulgaria must be extremely careful not to be drawn into the escalating conflicts. “We must closely monitor the decisions made by the Bulgarian Government and the commitments undertaken on our behalf, as the price could be very high,” the President warned.

He also said that Bulgaria’s planned entry into the eurozone amid a potential oil crisis must be considered very carefully. “A referendum is a way to stabilize the country and reach consensus, which is particularly crucial during periods of crisis,” Radev added. 

Asked whether an oil crisis is likely and whether it could have direct consequences for Bulgaria, Radev said he could not confirm with certainty at this stage, but such warnings already exist. “Tensions are rising, and oil prices are increasing, but let’s wait and see,” he concluded.