Use of Lajes during Iran offensive comes under scrutiny

Portugal's Public Prosecutor has opened an inquiry into the United States' use of Lajes Air Base during the offensive against Iran. The investigation concerns the legality of that use of the facility on Terceira Island. Opening an inquiry does not, in itself, establish that any wrongdoing occurred.

The inquiry followed a complaint by the Left Bloc. The information released so far does not identify the specific movements or activities at the base that will be examined, or give a timetable for the investigation's conclusion.

Left Bloc coordinator José Manuel Pureza welcomed the inquiry in comments to RTP Antena 1. He also said that questions remain about the understanding between Portugal and the United States concerning use of Lajes Air Base.

For Terceira and the wider Azores, the case raises questions about the terms under which a military facility in the archipelago was used during a period of international conflict. The inquiry may clarify those terms, but its findings are not yet known.