Romania is preparing to approve a US request to temporarily station American fighter jets at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base for a potential military operation against Iran.

Up to 500 US military personnel could be deployed as part of the operation, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.

The move comes after Washington’s October 2025 decision to reduce its troop presence in Romania amid a review of defense priorities. The request for fighter deployment followed Spain’s refusal to allow US forces to use its bases for the operation against Iran.

The Kogălniceanu base already hosts several hundred US troops and an Aegis Ashore missile defense system, deployed over a decade ago to counter potential threats from Iran. According to Digi24, the stationing of American fighter jets will be discussed at Romania’s Supreme Defense Council.