Portugal's Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, defended his decision to allow the United States to use the Lajes airbase during the Iran bombing campaign, a position at odds with that of Spain which refused such requests. Montenegro stated that the use of the base was in compliance with Portuguese law and agreements with the United Nations. He also stated that Portugal has a close relationship with the U.S. and that Iran had violated international norms with its nuclear ambitions and long-range missile capabilities. The Portuguese government will implement an extraordinary reduction of the tax on petroleum and energy products to offset any increase in fuel prices due to the conflict.