What Happened
Tensions Escalate As US Air Force Pulls Refueling Aircraft
The US Air Force has withdrawn two KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft from Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base, ending a deployment that had drawn sharp criticism from Iran. The tankers departed on August 21, 2026, weeks ahead of their authorized expiration in early October 2026. The deployment was authorized by Bulgaria’s Parliament to support American operations in the Middle East, but Iran warned Bulgaria against hosting the aircraft, characterizing it as an act of aggression under international law. The withdrawal comes as the US prepares to escalate economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announcing a new round of sanctions targeting the Iranian regime. This development was first reported by AeroTime.