Portuguese prosecutors investigate whether government legally authorized U.S. use of Lajes Air Base during the Iran war
Middle EastU.S.Europe
The investigation was opened following a complaint by the opposition Left Bloc over U.S. transit flights through the Azores base.
Under an existing agreement, U.S. forces can use Lajes without prior approval in peacetime, but Portuguese authorization is required once hostilities begin.
The Left Bloc argues the decision violated international law.
Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel says Portugal was not involved in the war and that access was granted only after U.S. assurances that the operations would be defensive, necessary, proportionate and limited to military targets.
