Portugal Opens Probe Into US Use of Lajes Base

LISBON: (News Desk) – Portuguese prosecutors have opened an investigation into the legality of the government’s decision to authorise the United States to use the Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the conflict involving Iran.

The probe was launched following a complaint filed by members of the opposition Left Bloc party, according to Portugal’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

Under a longstanding agreement between Portugal and the US, Washington can use the strategically located base without prior approval during peacetime. However, Portuguese authorisation is required once hostilities begin.

Unlike neighbouring Spain, Portugal approved several US transit flights through the Lajes base. The decision drew criticism from left-wing opposition parties and sparked a political debate over Portugal’s role in activities linked to the conflict with Iran.

The Left Bloc had asked prosecutors in April to investigate the US military use of the base, arguing that it constituted a “gross violation of international law.”

Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel has defended the government’s decision, saying Lisbon was not involved in the conflict and that the use of the base complied with international law.

Rangel said the authorisation was granted after Washington provided assurances that any operations would be defensive, necessary and proportionate, and restricted to military targets.

Portugal’s prosecutors are required under the principle of legality to investigate alleged wrongdoing when sufficient grounds exist, unlike jurisdictions where prosecutors have greater discretion over whether to pursue a case.

Located in the Atlantic Azores archipelago, Lajes Air Base serves as an important transit hub for US forces under a bilateral defence agreement dating back to 1951. The facility hosts the US Air Force’s 65th Air Base Wing and provides logistical support for US, NATO and allied operations.