The leader of Chega has declared that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, stressing that Europeans, including the Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, and British, should be unified in this stance, as Europe must not allow Iran to develop such capabilities.
Speaking to journalists before a meeting with the Union of Trade and Services Associations (UACS) in Lisbon, he acknowledged Israel’s position as the Middle East’s sole democracy, which also opposes Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
He emphasized, “This does not mean Israel can act freely or undertake any actions it deems necessary. There must be control; Europe should advocate for international law and peace, but sometimes strength is the best guarantee of peace,” asserting that Iranian leaders are only responsive to such measures.
Ventura commended Portugal for its role in contributing to an international effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms, while advocating for an active voice within Europe to ensure Israel is also held accountable.
The Chega president referred to the presence of 12 U.S. tanker aircraft at Lajes Air Base in the Azores. On Sunday, the Ministry of National Defense clarified that these are refueling aircraft and not offensive air assets.
“It is crucial for Portugal to be aligned with its international allies, with Western powers, and to be clear on where it stands. Portugal sides with Western democracies, its diplomatic reference in recent years, not with tyrannies, dictatorships, or those who oppress the rights of minorities, women, and political opposition, as is the case with Iran,” Ventura stated.
He argued against the notion of achieving peace through passive means, criticizing left-wing parties for being overly sympathetic toward Iran.
The Israel-Iran conflict was instigated in mid-June by Israeli bombings of Iranian territory, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran.
The conflict, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides, escalated with U.S. bombings of several Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordo complex.
