Iran seeks clarification over U.S. military aircraft stationed in the Azores
President Marcelo stated on Monday that Portugal had no prior knowledge of the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran: “It was a standard request to support U.S. naval and air forces in the Atlantic."
The Iranian government has requested official clarification from Portugal regarding the authorization granted to the United States for the use of the Lajes Air Base in the Azores by U.S. refueling aircraft, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In an exclusive interview with Rádio Renascença, Iran’s ambassador to Portugal, Majid Tafreshi, stated that Tehran will formally question the Portuguese government over what it considers potential involvement in a military aggression.
The statement comes after images emerged of 12 U.S. aerial refueling planes stationed at Lajes in recent days, possibly in connection with the American operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“If a country participates in a war, for whatever reason, it becomes part of that aggression,” Tafreshi said.
“We hope to believe in Portugal’s neutrality, but this situation requires clarification.”
The Portuguese Ministry of Defense confirmed on Sunday that the United States requested, via diplomatic note on June 18, permission to station 12 refueling aircraft at the Lajes base.
Portugal granted the request in accordance with the bilateral Defense and Cooperation Agreement between the two countries.
The ministry emphasized that these aircraft are for refueling purposes only and do not carry out offensive operations.
The ambassador, however, expressed skepticism.
He stated that even logistical support, such as refueling, could constitute indirect involvement in the aggression against Iran, particularly since the U.S. bombing targeted what Tehran insists were “peaceful nuclear facilities” and constituted “illegal acts” under international law.
“Whether refueling or delivering bombs, the impact is the same — it contributes to the outcome of aggression,” said Tafreshi.
“If this participation is confirmed, it would mark a serious turning point in Iran-Portugal relations.”
Portuguese Left Also Demands Answers
The controversy has also sparked political tension in Lisbon. Several left-wing parties, including ecosocialist Livre, the Socialist Party (PS), the Communist Party (PCP), and the Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda) — have formally questioned the government about the role of the Lajes Air Base in the recent U.S. attacks on Iranian territory.
In a written inquiry submitted to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Livre asked whether the Portuguese government had prior knowledge of the intended use of the base by the U.S. Air Force.
The party also demanded clarification on whether Portugal could guarantee that U.S. aircraft stationed in the Azores were not used to assist or execute attacks on Iran, potentially in violation of international law.
“The government must clarify if these actions comply with the UN Charter and what diplomatic steps it will take if they do not,” stated Isabel Mendes Lopes, Livre’s parliamentary leader.
Other parties echoed the call for transparency. The PS, through Azores MP Francisco César, requested that the government inform both parliament and the public about the nature of the aircraft movements.
PCP leader Paulo Raimundo warned against Portugal once again becoming “complicit in war,” referencing past controversies over the Lajes base during the Iraq war.
The Bloco de Esquerda also raised concerns about the “sudden increase” in U.S. military presence at the base and whether the government had been notified or had granted implicit consent.
Defense Ministry Denies Offensive Role
The Ministry of Defense has insisted that the aircraft currently at Lajes are strictly for refueling operations and do not constitute offensive military assets.
According to the official statement, “no U.S. combat aircraft have passed through Lajes in over a month,” and the current operations are “in support of U.S. Naval Forces in the Atlantic.”
The ministry also reiterated that any military overflight or landing by foreign aircraft must receive prior authorization and that Portugal grants similar requests to a variety of countries, not just the United States.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense declined to comment on the specific nature of the operations but noted that the U.S. European Command “regularly hosts transient aircraft and personnel in accordance with access and overflight agreements with allies.”
President’s reaction
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated on Monday that Portugal had no prior knowledge of the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran and emphasized that the country remains aligned with a diplomatic and neutral approach to international conflicts.
Speaking to reporters in Luanda, Angola, President Marcelo addressed Iran’s request for clarification regarding the use of the Lajes Air Base in the Azores by American refueling aircraft.
He stressed that Portugal’s foreign policy is unified and consistent between the government and the presidency.
“The President’s position is simple: it is in full alignment with the Government. There is no separate foreign policy,” he said.
Marcelo confirmed that the United States submitted a routine request to station refueling aircraft at Lajes, as permitted under a long-standing bilateral agreement.
He underscored that there was no indication the aircraft would be used for offensive operations.
“It was a standard request to support U.S. naval and air forces in the Atlantic. The notification contained no reference to any attack,” the President clarified.
Emphasis on Neutrality and Diplomacy
Reiterating Portugal’s commitment to diplomacy, Marcelo said the country has consistently advocated for de-escalation and peace in light of mounting tensions between Israel and Iran.
“Portugal stands with the position of the UN Secretary-General and several European leaders, including the President of the European Council: concern over the seriousness of the situation, a call for restraint from all parties, and the reopening of diplomatic channels,” he stated.
President Marcelo downplayed any risk of Portugal being drawn into the conflict, reiterating that the country abides by the principles of the United Nations and supports durable peace efforts.
“We respect international law and always favor diplomacy over episodic or superficial solutions,” he said.
This is very concerning -- I'd thought about this very connection last week. Anyone who remembers the 2004 bombings in the Atocha train station in Madrid will know why it's of concern.