Portugal investigates US use of Lajes Base during Iran conflict

The Portuguese Prosecutor General's Office has launched an investigation into the government's decision to allow the United States to use the Lajes Base in the Azores during the conflict with Iran. The inquiry follows a notification filed in April by the Bloco de Esquerda (Left Block) party.

The investigation aims to determine whether granting access to the base for American transit flights complied with Portuguese and international law. While the opening of the probe does not constitute a finding of illegality, it examines how Portuguese sovereignty was exercised.

The government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, maintains that its actions were within existing defense agreements. Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated that Portugal has not become a party to the war, noting that Washington provided assurances that operations would be defensive, necessary, and proportional, targeting no civilian infrastructure. In contrast, the opposition is demanding a legal assessment of the decision.