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

“NATO announced it is ready to counter any Iranian threat to U.S. military installations in Europe after a Financial Times report suggested Tehran is weighing strikes on U.S. bases. The alliance cited the interception of four Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Turkey as evidence of its strong deterrence posture. Bulgaria has upgraded security at its Bezmer Air Base, now a refueling hub for U.S. aircraft, and stationed roughly 250 U.S. personnel there. Iranian officials warned that any nation assisting a military attack on Iran would bear responsibility for the consequences. Expert Analysis: The heightened NATO alert underscores the strategic importance of European forward bases to U.S. power projection, potentially prompting increased defense spending and supply‑chain activity in the region. Companies tied to aerospace, logistics, and cyber‑security may see short‑term demand spikes as allies reinforce readiness measures.”