Portugal investigates US use of Lajes Air Base ahead of Iran war

Portugal’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an inquiry into the legality of US military use of Lajes Air Base ahead of its war against Iran, according to media reports.

The inquiry follows a complaint filed by the Left Bloc in April, which called for an investigation into whether the use of the base violated domestic and international law, broadcaster RTP reported Friday.

The party then asked the Attorney General’s Office to investigate whether the use of the base complied with the law, arguing from the outset that it constituted a “gross violation of International Law.”

The coordinator of the Left Bloc, Joss Manuel Pureza, stated at the time that “either the Government” was “in agreement with the gross violation of International Law and Portuguese Law,” or it lacked the “political backbone” to “remove itself from illegality.”

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Pureza also questioned the position taken by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, who has denied any violation of the agreement between Portugal and the US regarding the military use of Lajes or of International Law.

“I suppose that, moreover, Minister Paulo Rangel himself doesn’t believe what he’s saying. Because saying that the Lajes Air Base isn’t being used for aggressive purposes is pure fabrication. Saying that the Lajes Air Base agreement is being fulfilled is another fabrication.”

According to the report, Pureza believes it is necessary to wait for the conclusions of the inquiry, but understands that, “by taking this step,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office acknowledges that “there is merit” in the complaint filed by the party.

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