France has offered to help safeguard Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure in a strictly defensive role as regional security tensions continue to rise, the French Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
A ministry spokesperson expressed France’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia following recent attacks and said Paris was prepared to assist in protecting key energy facilities, particularly those in Yanbu and along the East-West pipeline.
The statement followed warnings from Yemen’s Houthis on Monday that Saudi airspace could become a potential area of military operations. Saudi authorities said three people were killed Wednesday in attacks targeting airports, including an airport in Riyadh.
France strongly condemned the Houthi attacks and called for them to end, particularly the latest strikes.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the French Foreign Ministry said the international community has a shared interest in restoring normal maritime traffic while ensuring compliance with international law.
France is also taking part in the European Union’s Aspides maritime security operation in the region. The spokesperson declined to provide details about the French military assets involved.
The official said France has supported the mission since it began in February 2024 and intends to continue backing its operations, including any future adjustments made in response to changing regional security conditions.
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