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Portugal Defends U.S. Military Presence Amid Opposition Concerns

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Portugal's Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said U.S. activity at Lajes is permitted under the 1951 treaty and does not require Lisbon's approval.
The left-wing opposition demanded clarification on this buildup amid tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
U.S. Ambassador John Arrigo urged replacing F-16 jets with F-35s to boost NATO interoperability and called for defense spending to reach 5% of GDP by 2035.

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Story summary

Portugal's Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said U.S. activity at Lajes is permitted under the 1951 treaty and does not require Lisbon's approval.
The left-wing opposition demanded clarification on this buildup amid tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
U.S. Ambassador John Arrigo urged replacing F-16 jets with F-35s to boost NATO interoperability and called for defense spending to reach 5% of GDP by 2035.