Key facts
- Portuguese prosecutors are investigating the legality of the US use of Lajes Air Base during the Iran conflict.
- The probe was launched after a complaint by the opposition Left Bloc party.
- The Left Bloc claims the US use of the base violates international law.
- Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated Portugal is not involved in the conflict and the base use complies with international law.
- Rangel said authorization was granted after US assurances that operations would be defensive, necessary, proportionate, and limited to military targets.
- Lajes Air Base in the Azores is a strategic transit hub for US forces under a 1951 defense treaty.
Portuguese prosecutors announced on Saturday they have opened an investigation into the legality of the government's decision to allow the United States to use the Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the Iran conflict. The probe was initiated following a complaint lodged by the opposition Left Bloc party.