During the São João festival organized by Porto’s city council, a candidate played down concerns raised by Iran’s ambassador, Majid Tafreshi, who stated he would seek clarification from the Portuguese government on the use of the Lajes Air Base.
“This is a non-issue. Everyone knows there’s been an agreement for decades allowing the Americans to use the Lajes Base. This is public and well-known. I mean, the Iranian ambassador can do as he wishes, but he cannot change the facts,” Marques Mendes stated.
Regarding the Middle East conflict, he acknowledged that the “risk is enormous,” and stressed that “all parties, the United States, Europe, Iran, and the Arab world, should strive to reduce this tension.”
“It’s clear that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. Now, the most effective and secure way to resolve this issue is likely through negotiation and diplomacy, involving all parties, with the help of the European Union and moderate Arab countries, as they are peacemakers,” he continued.
Calling for a “concerted effort,” Marques Mendes expressed that his stance on the conflict “largely aligns with the European Union’s, advocating for a negotiated solution through diplomacy.”
“The approach cannot be through violence; it must be through diplomacy,” the candidate reiterated.
