Portugal prosecutors investigate government's approval of US use of Lajes Air Base during Iran conflict

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Portuguese prosecutors announced they had 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 conflict with Iran. The probe follows a complaint by the Left Bloc party, which argues the authorization violated international law. The government, led by the centre-right, has defended the decision, stating it complied with international law and was based on US assurances of defensive operations. The investigation will determine whether the authorization was legal.