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After a drone strike targeted a French base in the United Arab Emirates, Paris is strengthening its military presence in the Gulf. From protecting its forces, supporting allies, to considering responses against Iran, France is preparing for all scenarios.
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Following the drone strike that hit a hangar at the French naval base in the United Arab Emirates, will France retaliate against Iran? It is, in any case, increasing its presence in the Gulf, with two ships en route to the Red Sea.
During a press briefing, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, explained: “It is about ensuring the security of our facilities, bases, and military personnel in the region.”
France’s urgent need is clear: to secure the skies of its allies. General Bernard Norlain, president of Initiatives for Nuclear Disarmament and former director of the IHEDN, specifies: “The least we can do is to implement air defense systems that can protect the countries with which we have defense agreements and our own forces.”
But Paris could go further, for example, by targeting Iranian missile or drone launch pads, or naval bases of the regime. For military intervention, France has a significant presence in the region with several bases.
Off the Iranian coast, in Abu Dhabi, 900 personnel are present. This is the command center for operations in the Middle East. Further north, in Iraq and Syria, 1,200 soldiers are engaged in Operation Chammal.
In Lebanon, around 700 peacekeepers are deployed with the UN. In Jordan, at an air base, several Rafale jets are stationed. Finally, in Djibouti, a logistical and operational base has around 1,500 troops.
In total, over 5,000 individuals are mobilized in the region. According to our information, a list of military targets is on Emmanuel Macron’s desk.
Non-exhaustive list
