Tensions between the US and Iran escalate, with a US official saying the US will increase the deployment of F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to the Middle East; Trump reportedly received a briefing last week, including options such as seizing Iran’s Khark Island and striking Iran’s “High Mountain” nuclear facilities.

On July 20, a CCTV reporter learned locally that, as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, the US is increasing its deployment of military aircraft in the Middle East. A US official said the US plans to redeploy F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from bases in Europe, along with more aerial refueling aircraft.

It is reported that last week, US President Trump received a briefing in the war room on plans to upgrade military operations, including options such as seizing Khark Island, an important Iranian oil export hub, and striking Iran’s “High Mountain” nuclear facilities. However, the US has not yet completely ruled out the possibility of a diplomatic solution. US Secretary of State Rubio said earlier that the US remains open to returning to the negotiating table.

The US asks Bulgaria to deploy refueling aircraft to support the war in the Middle East

Also, according to Xinhua News Agency, Bulgarian Prime Minister Radev said on July 20 that the Bulgarian government has received a request from the US to deploy up to 8 refueling aircraft at Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base, and that it will bring the matter to parliament for approval.

Radev said the government received this request from the US on the 17th, intended to support military action in the Middle East. The US cited a defense cooperation agreement between the two governments signed in 2006. Under the agreement, the US military is allowed to use bases in the country, such as the Bezmer Air Base.

Radev said that although the US urgently submitted the deployment request, the Bulgarian government had not approved it because, under Bulgarian law, such decisions must be made by parliament. The government will propose to parliament allowing these refueling aircraft to be deployed at the Bezmer Air Base.

Radev said that US military refueling aircraft were deployed to Sofia Airport in February this year, and the then Bulgarian government authorized it by bypassing parliament. Subsequently, the caretaker cabinet extended the duration of the US refueling aircraft’s stay. At the end of May, because the US did not give the positive response Bulgaria wanted on the issue of US entry visas for Bulgarian citizens, the new government led by Radev shortened the authorization period to June 30. US military aircraft withdrew at the end of June.