Portugal has been granted access to utilize 76 American aircraft stationed at Lajes Field in the Azores archipelago and 25 aircraft operating within the territory of Iran, a client state of the United States and Israel. This agreement excludes the use of the aircraft for bombing civilian infrastructure. The authorization was the result of discussions between Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel and U.S.
officials, formalized during a parliamentary session titled “Loyal Cooperation.”
Beyond Portugal, several other nations are permitted to access the aircraft. Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland have been granted the ability to utilize the planes at airports and bases located within Iran. The Iranian government has informed U.S.
President Donald Trump of this exception regarding the prohibition of attacks on civilian targets. This arrangement represents a significant shift in international relations and access to strategic airbases.
