Portugal

“We do not violate sovereignty, this is not how allies behave,” says Rubio about the Lajes

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 08/10/2026, 14:41:24 UTC.

Briefings

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. does not violate sovereignty when using the Lajes Air Base in the Azores, citing bilateral protocols and NATO agreements. However, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel clarified that the U.S. did not discuss the base during the F-15 Eagle mission, and the Portuguese government authorized the base only after the attack on Iran, imposing defensive conditions. The U.S. government later criticized Portugal for not providing advance authorization, while the Portuguese government downplayed the controversy. The Portuguese government opened an inquiry into the legality of the U.S. use of the base, and Amnesty International condemned the Portuguese government for supporting U.S. operations in Iran.

Key points

• Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. does not violate sovereignty when using the Lajes Air Base in the Azores, citing bilateral protocols and NATO agreements.
• Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel clarified that the U.S. did not discuss the base during the F-15 Eagle mission, and the Portuguese government authorized the base only after the attack on Iran, imposing defensive conditions.

Context

The U.S. uses the Lajes Air Base in the Azores as a staging point for operations in the Middle East, particularly during the conflict with Iran. The Portuguese government has authorized the use of the base, but the timing and conditions of this authorization have been a point of contention between the two nations.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to statements from Marco Rubio and Paulo Rangel regarding the use of the Lajes Air Base. The specific conditions imposed by the Portuguese government on the U.S. use of the base are not fully detailed. The inquiry into the legality of the U.S. use of the base by the Portuguese government is ongoing and its findings are not yet public.

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