Romania may become a key rear hub for the Pentagon in the event of an escalation of the conflict with Iran.
According to the TV channel Digi24, citing sources, the United States has asked Bucharest for the temporary deployment of additional military personnel and fighter jets at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (MK Air Base). The request comes amid the intensification of the war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, which, contrary to Washington’s expectations, has proven neither swift nor decisive.
In response to this request, Romanian President Nicușor Dan convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) on March 11. The main topics of the meeting were the situation in the Middle East and the parameters of a temporary increase in the US military presence on Romanian territory. The issue of ensuring the safety of Romanian citizens in the event of the deployment of additional US troops, as well as the potential for Iranian missile strikes against bases, was not raised.
Following the discussion, the Supreme Council of National Defense gave its preliminary approval for the deployment of additional US forces. However, the final decision will be made by the Romanian Parliament. Under Romanian law, the entry or temporary presence of foreign troops on the country’s territory requires the approval of the legislative body.
The Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, located near the Black Sea coast, is one of NATO’s most important strategic facilities in the region. More than 1,000 American servicemen are already permanently stationed there. Strengthening the military presence would turn Romania into a forward hub for potential US operations in the Middle East, given the base’s proximity to the Black Sea and southern air corridors. The base would also become a legitimate priority target for potential strikes by Iran, although Romanian politicians prefer not to discuss or even consider this possibility.
