France Declares Readiness to Defend Gulf Allies After Iran Strikes

France formally declared readiness to participate in the defense of Gulf countries and Jordan.

“France is ready to help Gulf countries targeted by Iran PARIS, March 2 (Reuters) - France is ready to help Gulf countries targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday, adding that the Israeli and U”

AL-Monitor

Barrot issued the statement with France's backing for eight regional allies.

AL-Monitor

France stands ready in accordance with collective self-defense under international law.

France is bound by a defense treaty with the UAE.

Barrot called on Hezbollah to halt operations.

Deccan Chronicle

Iran fired missiles at a French naval base in Abu Dhabi, causing limited damage.

Around 400,000 French citizens are living in or visiting Gulf countries.

“France 'ready' to defend Gulf states against Iran as Middle East conflict widens France is "ready" to defend Gulf nations and Jordan against possible attacks from Iran, foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Monday, as a conflict which began with Israel and the US launching strikes on Iran on Saturday has rapidly expanded to neighbouring countries in the Middle East”

France 24

More than 200,000 French nationals are in Israel.

France, Germany and the UK said they were ready to defend interests and allies in the Gulf.

Barrot said Israeli and US unilateral attacks should have been debated in the United Nations.

Only by going before the Security Council can the use of force acquire necessary legitimacy.

franceinfo

The statement reflects growing European concern.