France announces readiness to engage in defending Gulf nations, Jordan, Iraq

France has expressed its willingness to step in to defend Gulf nations, as well as Jordan and Iraq, against possible attacks from Iran.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot made the statement on Monday as the conflict that began with Israeli and US strikes on Iran has rapidly expanded to neighbouring countries in the Middle East.

“To allied countries that have been deliberately targeted by the missiles and drones of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and dragged into a war they did not choose - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan - France expresses its full support and complete solidarity,” Barrot was quoted as saying. He added that the country stood ready to come to their defence.

Barrot added that Israeli and US unilateral attacks in Iran should have been debated in bodies that uphold international law, such as the United Nations, noting that it is only through the UN Security Council that the use of force can acquire necessary legitimacy.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and expressed support for efforts to avoid the conflict. Barrot said no French casualties had been reported at this stage, and that work to facilitate the return of French citizens from areas impacted by the conflict would begin when possible.

An estimated 400,000 French citizens are residents or currently visiting countries in and around the Gulf.

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