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By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
LISBON – Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has stood firm on his government’s decision to allow the United States military to utilize the Lajes Airbase in the Azores for its ongoing bombing campaign in Iran, drawing a sharp strategic contrast with neighboring Spain.
Addressing the Assembly of the Republic on Wednesday, Montenegro defended the move as a matter of legal obligation and international solidarity, emphasizing that the authorization aligns with both Portuguese law and long-standing bilateral defense agreements with Washington.
Legal Foundations and “Defensive Purposes”
The use of the Lajes base, a vital mid-Atlantic refueling and logistics hub, is governed by a peacetime agreement that allows U.S. access without prior authorization. However, once active hostilities began, the protocol required formal approval from the Portuguese government.
“Portugal objectively has a close relationship with our ally, the United States,” Montenegro told lawmakers. He clarified that the authorization was granted specifically for “defensive purposes” and aimed at military targets in strict accordance with international law.
The Prime Minister justified the support by highlighting Tehran’s record, describing Iran as a state that has “repeatedly violated international norms” through its nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities, further labeling the regime a sponsor of international terrorism.
The Peninsular Divide
Montenegro’s stance marks a significant diplomatic departure from Madrid. The Spanish government recently declined similar requests from the Trump administration, a move that has reportedly sparked tension between Spain and the White House.
While Montenegro did not explicitly criticize the Spanish position, he pointedly reminded the Chamber of Portugal’s historical pedigree within the Atlantic Alliance. Noting that Portugal was a founding member of NATO in 1949, while Spain joined decades later in 1982, the Prime Minister underscored a deeply rooted “Atlanticist” identity that prioritizes the American partnership.
Domestic Cushioning Amid Global Shock
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to destabilize global markets, Montenegro also moved to address the immediate economic fallout at home. The government announced an “extraordinary and temporary” reduction in taxes on petroleum and energy products. This measure is designed to offset any fuel price hikes exceeding €0.10 per liter resulting from the geopolitical volatility.
The debate in Lisbon underscores the tightrope the Montenegro administration is walking: maintaining a staunch pro-U.S. foreign policy while insulating the domestic population from the inflationary shocks of a distant, yet impactful, war.