Bulgaria is closely monitoring escalating tensions in the Middle East, with President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Iotova issuing statements on February 28, 2026, expressing concern over the potential for wider conflict. The statements followed a reported preventative strike by Israel against Iran and a subsequent response from Tehran, actions described as fundamentally altering global security.
President Iotova stated that the presidential institution is following the situation with “concern and anxiety,” emphasizing a significant risk of escalation throughout the region. She indicated Bulgaria is aligning with international efforts to cease hostilities and return to negotiations and supports calls for an emergency session of the UN Security Council. Iotova affirmed that she will take actions in accordance with Bulgarian law, depending on how the situation develops.
Radev, who served as president until 2026, warned that diplomacy is increasingly yielding to military force in resolving international disputes. He stressed the require for reason and highlighted the destructive potential of the ongoing conflict for international security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already established a Crisis Headquarters to address the situation, according to reports.
Iotova also noted the deepening of the conflict, stating there have been no declarations of a ceasefire from either Israel or Iran. She indicated she is awaiting a decision from President Radev regarding the convening of the Consultative Council for National Security (KSNS).
The political response within Bulgaria has been varied. ITN (There Is Such a People) has warned of a potential surge in migration towards Bulgaria as a consequence of the war. Other parties, including GERB-SDS and BSP, have called for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic solutions. BSP specifically urged de-escalation following the strikes against Iran.
Iotova also expressed her dissatisfaction with what she described as a “laconic” position from the European Commission regarding the situation in the Middle East. Earlier, President Radev held an emergency meeting with heads of security services on Friday to address the escalating crisis, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
