Portugal has opened an investigation into the legality of the United States’ use of the Lajes air base in the Azores during the conflict with Iran.
Under a longstanding defence agreement with Washington, the US can use the base without prior approval during peacetime. However, Portuguese authorisation is required once hostilities begin.
Portugal approved several US transit flights through Lajes, unlike neighbouring Spain. The decision has faced criticism from left-wing opposition parties and sparked debate over Portugal’s involvement in activities linked to the conflict.
The Prosecutor General’s Office said the investigation was launched following a complaint submitted by members of the Left Bloc party. The Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
The Left Bloc had urged prosecutors to investigate the US use of the base, describing it as a potential violation of international law.
Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel has defended the government’s decision, saying Portugal was not a party to the conflict and that the use of Lajes complied with international law. He said approval was granted after Washington provided assurances that any operations would be defensive, necessary, proportionate and restricted to military targets.
Portuguese prosecutors are required to investigate alleged offences when there are sufficient grounds under the country’s principle of legality.
Located on Terceira Island in Portugal’s Azores archipelago, Lajes is a key transit and logistics hub for US, NATO and allied forces.
The base operates under a bilateral defence agreement dating back to 1951 and supports military operations involving Europe and the Middle East.
Its strategic mid-Atlantic location provides US forces with an important staging point between North America, Europe and the Middle East. The facility has significant capacity to support aircraft, troops, equipment and military supplies.
During periods of conflict, Lajes can serve as an important link in the US military’s transatlantic air bridge for moving personnel, equipment and other supplies.
