Portuguese prosecutors have announced that they have begun judicial investigations into the legality of the moderate government's authorization for the United States to use Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the Iran War. This decision was made following a complaint from the leftist party "Left Bloc".
Background of Agreements with the United States
An agreement that has long existed between Portugal and the United States allows Washington to use this base in peacetime without prior authorization. However, at the onset of hostilities, Portugal must issue a usage permit. Unlike Spain, Portugal has permitted several transit flights of the United States through Lajes Air Base, a decision that has faced criticism from leftist parties and sparked political debates about Lisbon's role in operations related to the Iran War.
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Official Reactions and Perspectives
The Office of the Attorney General of Portugal stated in a press release that "the investigation was initiated following a complaint from members of the Left Bloc," without providing further details. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refrained from commenting on the matter. In April, the Left Bloc had asked prosecutors to investigate the United States' use of Lajes Air Base, claiming that this action constitutes a "clear violation of international law".
However, Paulo Rangel, the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Portugal has not intervened in this war and that the use of Lajes Air Base has been in accordance with international law. He also noted that this use was only permitted after receiving assurances from Washington that any defensive operations would be necessary and proportionate.
Portuguese prosecutors are required to adhere to the principle of legality and must address potential allegations, while in some jurisdictions, prosecutors have broader powers to decide on the progress of the case.
Lajes Air Base, located in the Azores archipelago of Portugal, is a strategic transit center for U.S. forces under a bilateral defense agreement dating back to 1951 and hosts the 65th Airlift Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, supporting operations of the United States, NATO, and other allies.
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