The Aporia
The Aporia
The Straits Times. (2026, October 3). Portugal prosecutors probe legality of US use of Lajes base in Iran war. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/portugal-prosecutors-probe-legality-of-us-use-of-lajes-base-in-iran-war
The Straits Times. “Portugal prosecutors probe legality of US use of Lajes base in Iran war.” The Straits Times, 3 Oct. 2026, https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/portugal-prosecutors-probe-legality-of-us-use-of-lajes-base-in-iran-war.
The Straits Times. “Portugal prosecutors probe legality of US use of Lajes base in Iran war.” The Straits Times, October 3, 2026. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/portugal-prosecutors-probe-legality-of-us-use-of-lajes-base-in-iran-war.
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Portuguese prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the legality of Portugal's authorization for the United States to use the Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the conflict with Iran, following a complaint by the opposition Left Bloc party. Under a long-standing agreement, Washington can utilize the base without prior permission during peacetime but needs approval once hostilities begin. While Portugal, unlike Spain, permitted several US transit flights through the base, this decision faced criticism from left-wing parties and sparked debate over Lisbon's involvement in military operations linked to Iran. The Left Bloc filed a complaint with prosecutors in April, claiming it was a "gross violation of international law." Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel asserts that Portugal did not participate directly in the conflict and that the use of Lajes complied with international law, as it was authorized only after receiving assurances from Washington that operations would be defensive, necessary, proportionate, and limited to military targets.
