US to use NATO base near Ukraine as hub for Iran operations
Illustrative photo: US aircraft may be stationed at a Romanian air base (flickr by Combat Camera / Caméra de combat)
Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) has approved a US request to deploy additional military forces at one of its air bases. The move is linked to the US-Israeli operation against Iran, stated Romanian President Nicușor Dan, according to the Romania Journal.
Air hub
One of the key topics of the meeting was a request from the Pentagon to use the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base as a logistics hub. The US plans to deploy there:
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Two aerial refueling tanker aircraft to support military aviation in flight;
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Satellite communication and monitoring systems;
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Between 100 and 300 American troops responsible for security and equipment maintenance.
The President noted that these systems are defensive in nature and are not armed themselves. The deployment will take place within the framework of the Romania-US partnership, but only after parliamentary approval.
"I assure Romanians that there is no reason for concern. Their country is safe," the President stressed after the meeting.
Economic and humanitarian issues
Romanian authorities also analyzed risks related to the war. In particular, they discussed energy prices. Officials considered possible government responses to rising global oil prices caused by the conflict.
Dan also said that 5,700 people have already returned to Romania from the conflict zone in the Middle East.
Support from Lithuania
Earlier, it was reported that Lithuania is considering the possibility of supporting the US military operation against Iran.
President Gitanas Nausėda stated that the country is ready to provide logistical assistance to the United States, emphasizing that due to the large geographical distance, direct participation in combat is not being considered.
At the same time, Lithuanian Army Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras said that under a "hypothetical scenario," Lithuania could provide its territory for the basing of American fighter jets and bombers.
