The Iranian ambassador to Portugal, Majid Tafreshi, announced plans to formally inquire with the Portuguese government regarding the use of the Lajes Air Base in the Azores by 12 American refueling aircraft.
In an interview, the diplomat was confronted with this issue, and although he stated he had “no information” on the matter, he mentioned that he would seek clarifications from the government.
“I haven’t heard anything about this. Your government should clarify this situation and, of course, we will question it,” he pointed out.
“I have no information on this, but based on state responsibilities, when involved in aggression, one is accountable for the outcome of that aggression. Thus, I strongly suggest that no one claims or participates in aggression. Otherwise, based on state responsibility, everyone must be held accountable for their actions. Whether refueling or not, I don’t know,” he added.
During the same interview, the Iranian ambassador reiterated that the United States carried out “bombings against peaceful nuclear facilities” and would also “question” Portugal’s stance—a country with which Iran has “good relations”—on the attack.
On Sunday, the Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the United States requested permission on June 18 for 12 refueling aircraft to use the Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island. The request was granted by the government.
In a statement to the media, the office led by Nuno Melo clarified that “the aircraft in the Azores are aerial refueling planes”. “These are not offensive air means, but merely refueling aircraft,” it stated.
The office also noted that “this is a routine procedure”. “No US combat means have passed the Lajes Base for more than a month,” it further clarified.
Today, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, confirmed being “notified” by the government of Luís Montenegro about a “request made by the United States for stay at the Lajes Base” in the Azores, but assured that Portugal was unaware of the American intentions to attack Iran.
When asked by Lusa about the presence of planes at Lajes, a US Department of Defense source stated only that “US European Command routinely hosts US military aircraft (and personnel) on a transitory basis, following base access and overflight agreements with allies and partners”.
On Wednesday, Lusa again inquired the same source about possible reinforcement of military activity at Lajes due to the situation in the Middle East, but was told only that there were no changes to announce on that day.
It should be recalled that on June 13, Israel launched an offensive on Iran, arguing that Iran’s advancing nuclear program and missile development pose a direct threat to its security.
On Sunday morning, the conflict escalated with the United States entering the war, bombing three main facilities involved in Iran’s nuclear program, including the Fordo unit.
