Two U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft have left Bulgaria, ending a deployment that was scheduled to continue until October.
The planes had arrived at Bezmer Air Base in July after Bulgaria's parliament approved their deployment to support U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said the aircraft conducted only training missions in allied airspace and dismissed security concerns surrounding the deployment.
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa thanked Bulgaria for its cooperation. The early withdrawal comes as Washington continues to increase economic and political pressure on Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce further measures against Tehran, following President Donald Trump's pledge to intensify pressure on Iran.
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2 US military refueling aircraft depart Bulgaria amid anger from Iran over deployment https://t.co/TEOqtoPrHn
— The Hill (@thehill) August 24, 2026
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