Azores

Portugal has opened an investigation into whether the United States used the Lajes Air Base in the Azores ahead of military action against Iran. The probe examines whether Washington violated the terms governing American use of the Portuguese territory. The story is drawing attention because Lajes has long been a strategic refuelling stop for US forces crossing the Atlantic.

Portuguese prosecutors have opened an investigation into whether the United States' use of the Lajes air base in the Azores during the war with Iran was lawful. The probe examines whether the base, a long-standing US-Portugal defence cooperation site, was used in ways consistent with the bilateral agreements governing it. It puts a spotlight on Portugal's role in the conflict and could strain relations with Washington.

A new research vessel, Azores Ocean, has been introduced for deep-sea and fisheries survey work off Portugal. The boat is designed to support marine research and fisheries assessment in waters around the Azores, adding capacity for oceanographic and stock-monitoring missions in the Atlantic.