Portugal has confirmed it authorized 76 landings by U.S. aircraft and 25 overflights of its territory at Lajes Air Base in the Azores since the start of the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. The permission came with the explicit condition that civilian infrastructure would not be targeted.
Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told parliament that the U.S. has complied with this rule, reflecting “loyal cooperation” between the NATO allies. However, he noted that some requested landings were denied.
Other European countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, have restricted or refused U.S. military aircraft access in relation to the conflict.
Rangel emphasized Portugal’s position: “We are against any attack on civilian infrastructure, and we made that a condition for the use of the Lajes air base.” He added that the authorization applies to military responses that are “necessary and proportional” in defense of the United States.
Lajes Air Base serves as a strategic hub for the 65th Air Base Wing of the U.S. Air Force, supporting both U.S. and allied operations, including NATO missions. Rangel reiterated Portugal’s support for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Iran crisis.
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