French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Sunday, 27 September 2026, that the country's military assets to be deployed in Saudi Arabia will be used for "strictly defensive" purposes. The move aims to protect Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports on the Red Sea, particularly at the Yanbu terminal, which has been targeted by Yemeni Houthi rebels. This decision was made to help reduce fuel prices.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will send soldiers, radar systems, and defense systems to protect the Yanbu site. The deployment is intended to support Saudi Arabia in the face of increasing attacks from Houthi rebels. According to Barrot, the French military presence will not be considered as an act of belligerence.
The French minister emphasized that his country has previously deployed military assets to protect its allies and partners in the region, including operations to safeguard the airspace of the United Arab Emirates against Iranian drones. He stressed that France has never been considered a belligerent in these situations.
The scope of the French deployment will depend on the needs expressed by Saudi Arabia, France's own capabilities, and the evolving situation. Barrot remained vague about the possibility of a parliamentary debate on the commitment of French forces in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels.
Several French politicians, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, have called for a debate on the issue, with Mélenchon requesting a vote under Article 35 of the French Constitution. Barrot stated that there will be opportunities to discuss these questions in the future, but noted that a vote is not prescribed until four months after the deployment.
The recent escalation of hostilities in Yemen, with Houthi rebels launching a swift offensive towards the Red Sea coast, has significantly impacted Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter. The situation has led to a decline in traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which connects Europe to Asia via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
The French deployment aims to mitigate the effects of the conflict on global oil prices. The situation in Yemen and the region remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels, and Iran's continued influence in the region.
Key points
- France will deploy military assets to Saudi Arabia for defensive purposes to protect crude oil exports on the Red Sea.
- The deployment aims to support Saudi Arabia in the face of increasing attacks from Yemeni Houthi rebels.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the military presence will not be considered as an act of belligerence.
