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Portugal investigation into US Lajes Base use

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-04 08:14 UTC → 2026-10-07 19:05 UTC · added removed

The Portuguese Prosecutor General’s Office has launched a formal investigation into the legality of the government’s decision to authorize United States use of the Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the conflict with Iran. The inquiry follows a complaint filed in April by the Bloco de Esquerda (Left Bloc) party, which alleges a “gross violation of international law.” The party argues that providing logistical support and transit rights to the U.S. during hostilities may constitute an illegal act of aggression. While a 1951 bilateral agreement allows U.S. use of the base during peacetime without prior authorization, explicit Portuguese approval is required once hostilities begin. The government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, maintains that its actions complied with existing defense agreements and international law. Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel defended the decision, stating that Portugal was not a participant in the conflict and that Washington provided assurances that all operations would be defensive, necessary, proportionate, and strictly limited to military targets, avoiding civilian infrastructure. targets. Amidst the ongoing investigation by the Public Ministry, Amnesty International has urged the Portuguese government to refuse the use of the Lajes Air Base for operations that could constitute “war crimes.” João Godinho Martins, the organization’s executive director in Portugal, called on authorities to communicate such a refusal to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to his official visit to Lisbon. Martins argued that allowing the use of the base or national airspace without ensuring no war crimes are committed would violate international commitments.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-07 19:05 UTC Portugal investigation into US Lajes Base use
  2. 2026-10-04 08:14 UTC Portugal investigation into US Lajes Base use

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