Bulgaria faces no immediate threat to national security following recent escalations in the Middle East, the country’s Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov said on Sunday.
Speaking on the BNT programme “The Day Begins with Georgi Lyubenov”, Hristanov said the government is continuously monitoring potential economic impacts, including scenarios involving the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We have an official position: at this stage, our analyses show no immediate threat to Bulgaria,” he said. Hristanov added that the country relies on allied protection and that dependence on energy supplies from the region is limited.
The minister noted that economic forecasts are being prepared for various scenarios, assessing potential short- and long-term effects on fertilizer prices and key energy sources.
Separately, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Level 5 travel advisory for countries in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Citizens are warned to suspend all travel and leave the region immediately.
Bulgarians can also contact local diplomatic and consular missions in the affected countries. The ministry reminded citizens that under European Union rules, in countries where Bulgaria has no representation, they may seek consular assistance from other EU member states.
The MFA urged all Bulgarian citizens in or traveling to the region to register via the ministry’s official online portal to ensure rapid and effective contact if needed.