France is urgently adjusting its posture in the face of the military escalation triggered by Israeli-American strikes against Iran and Tehran's retaliation. Meeting this Sunday, March 1st, in a defense council for the second time in two days, Emmanuel Macron affirmed that "the priority is the safety of our citizens," as the crisis now spreads to several Gulf countries.
Paris has decided to increase its military presence in the region to protect its bases, forces, and citizens. This decision comes after the French naval base in Abu Dhabi was targeted by Iranian drones, with no casualties reported according to the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The French president cited the need to "adapt the posture" in the face of a situation deemed extremely volatile.
On the diplomatic front, France continues to advocate for de-escalation and a resumption of talks with Tehran. Emmanuel Macron reiterated that Paris was "neither informed nor involved" in the initial strikes and insisted on the political path to avoid a regional conflagration. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council is expected this evening.
Meanwhile, the French Foreign Ministry is preparing for possible evacuation operations of French nationals in the Middle East "when the situation allows." Air France has already extended the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, and Riyadh until Tuesday inclusive, a sign of the rapidly deteriorating security situation.
For the time being, no French military response has been announced. The government is prioritizing coordination with its European and allied partners, while discreetly reinforcing its security measures in a region now on the brink of conflagration.
