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Portugal's Lajes Air Base Hosts 76 U.S. Military Operations

4/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Portugal's Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said Lajes Air Base has hosted 76 landings and 25 overflights by U.S. aircraft since the onset of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, allowed only if they do not target civilian infrastructure.
He said the U.S. has complied, though some landings were denied.
Rangel emphasized Portugal's commitment to transparency and to a diplomatic resolution, noting Lajes Air Base's crucial role in U.S. and NATO operations.

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Story summary

Portugal's Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said Lajes Air Base has hosted 76 landings and 25 overflights by U.S. aircraft since the onset of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, allowed only if they do not target civilian infrastructure.
He said the U.S. has complied, though some landings were denied.
Rangel emphasized Portugal's commitment to transparency and to a diplomatic resolution, noting Lajes Air Base's crucial role in U.S. and NATO operations.