Romania approves US military request for base access to support operations

Romanian President Nicusor Dan announced on Wednesday that the country will host US refueling aircraft, surveillance equipment, and satellite communication systems. The decision followed a meeting of the national defense council and subsequent parliamentary approval. These assets are intended to support operations against Tehran, though officials emphasized the deployment is strictly defensive and involves no munitions. The equipment will be based at Mihail Kogalniceanu air base and will operate in conjunction with the Aegis Ashore ballistic missile system in Deveselu. Despite opposition from far-right lawmakers, the measure passed as part of the country's logistical support within its NATO commitments. There are currently approximately 3,500 NATO troops in Romania, including about 1,000 US personnel. This move comes as other European nations, including France, Greece, and Italy, have also increased their regional military presence following drone strikes on a British base in Cyprus. The move highlights Romania's ongoing alignment with US and NATO defense strategies amidst regional tensions.