NATO ‘prepared’ to defend allies amid report of Iranian strike plans

NATO has affirmed its readiness to defend member states following reports that Iran considered strikes against US military targets in Europe. Bulgaria has subsequently increased security measures at the Bezmer Air Base in response to the potential threat.
Why it matters
The report underscores rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and Western military alliances, specifically regarding the security of US assets stationed in Eastern Europe.
Military alliance says it will ‘do what is necessary’ amid media report Iran considered strikes against US targets in Europe.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info NATO intercepted four ballistic missiles it said Iran shot towards Turkiye this year [File: Hussein Malla/AP] By Anadolu and Reuters Published On 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 NATO says it is prepared to address threats over possible Iranian attacks on United States military targets in Europe as Bulgaria has increased security measures at the Bezmer Air Base.
“NATO is prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all Allies,” a NATO official said in a statement on Wednesday.
The unnamed official also said NATO intercepted four ballistic missiles Iran launched towards Turkiye this year, offering it as proof the military alliance’s “deterrence defence posture is strong and effective” against outside threats.
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