US Secretary of State Thanks Portugal for Defense Cooperation

During a phone call with Portuguese Secretary of State Paulo Rangel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed appreciation for the close defense collaboration between the two nations on Tuesday. According to Deputy Spokesman Tommy Piggott from the State Department, this discussion highlighted the solid foundation of U.S.-Portuguese relations, particularly regarding economic and defense partnerships.

Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared on social media that Rubio and Rangel touched upon the ongoing situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the significance of transatlantic connections. They also reviewed the economic and defense aspects of U.S.-Portugal relations.

In contrast to some European nations, like Spain, which have opted out of allowing U.S. military operations, Portugal has been notably supportive. The logistics support provided through Lajes Air Base, located on Terceira Island in the Azores, has been crucial for U.S. operations in the Middle East.

Reports from Portuguese newspapers indicate that since the onset of the Iran conflict, Lajes Air Base has been an essential logistics hub for the U.S. military, with various aircraft frequently departing from there for refueling missions.

The use of Lajes Base is under a “conditional authorization” from the Portuguese government, as explained by a local publication. This permission, derived from an existing agreement, stipulates that the base’s infrastructure should only be used in defense-related scenarios and targeting military objectives, ensuring actions are seen as necessary and appropriate.

Rangel mentioned that the consent for military operations was granted after the U.S. informed Portugal of its plans regarding actions against Iran, which included utilizing Lajes Air Base.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro noted that the country’s parliament recently affirmed the U.S. activities at Lajes Base align with the authorization’s requirements. Montenegro stated that, based on available information, the base’s use complies with Portugal’s granted conditions.

He remarked, “We wish to inform Congress that, to the best of our knowledge and under our supervision, the use of the Lajes base meets all the terms laid out in the authorization from Portugal.”