PARIS, March 2. /TASS/. France is prepared to assist its allies in the Middle East in safeguarding their security amid escalating tensions following recent Iranian strikes, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Le Drian announced at a press conference.
"France expresses its unwavering support and solidarity with the friendly nations targeted by IRGC missile and drone attacks," Le Drian stated. He specifically named Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
When asked about the possibility of deploying additional French forces to the region, the foreign minister referenced President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks about enhancing the readiness of France's military forces in light of the current crisis.
The conflict intensified on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, striking major Iranian cities, including Tehran. The White House justified the attack by citing alleged missile and nuclear threats posed by Iran. In a provocative move, U.S. leadership also called on the Iranian population to rise up against their government and seize power.
The strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other senior officials within the Islamic Republic’s leadership. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced operations targeting sites in Israel, while U.S. military bases across Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia were also hit.