Portugal prosecutors probe legality of US use of Lajes base in Iran war

AI Summary

Portuguese prosecutors are investigating whether the government legally authorised US use of Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the Iran conflict. A longstanding agreement permits US use without prior approval in peacetime, but requires Portuguese authorisation after hostilities begin.

LISBON, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Portuguese prosecutors said on Saturday they had opened a probe into the legality of the centre-right government's authorisation of the United States' use of the Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the Iran conflict, following a complaint by an opposition party. A longstanding agreement with the US allows Washington to use the base without prior authorisation during peacetime, but requires Portugal to give approval once hostilities begin.