France ready to defend Gulf countries and Jordan against threats from Iran
France has declared that it is “ready” to defend Gulf countries and Jordan against threats posed by Iran amid escalating regional tensions following a series of retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. The announcement comes as global concern grows over the potential for wider conflict in the region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made the comments after chairing a crisis meeting in Paris, affirming that Paris stands in solidarity with its partners and allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan. He stressed that France’s readiness to assist would be carried out “upon request” and in accordance with international law, particularly the principle of collective self-defence.
The foreign minister emphasised that France’s stance is not one of aggression, but of defensive readiness. “Regarding our partners in the region who have been targeted, deliberately aimed at by the Iranian regime, we stand ready to contribute to their defence,” Barrot said, adding that any action would be proportionate and lawful under the framework of collective self-defence.
His remarks were echoed in a joint statement issued by France, Germany, and United Kingdom condemning recent missile and drone attacks by Iran. The statement said the European nations are prepared to take “defensive action” to protect their interests and those of their allies, including Gulf states and Jordan, if necessary. The leaders said they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran,” which targeted countries that were not involved in initial U.S and Israeli military operations.
The joint declaration underlines that the attacks have threatened not only regional stability but also the safety of service personnel and civilians. It reaffirmed the signatories’ willingness to collaborate with the United States and other regional partners to counter further threats, and stressed that steps would be taken to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source if required.
The developments come amid an intensifying crisis in the Middle East, which was triggered after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes struck several targets in Iran, including high-profile military sites. In retaliation, Iran launched a wave of missile and drone strikes across multiple nations, including Gulf allies and Jordan.
The Gulf Cooperation Council has strongly condemned the Iranian attacks and affirmed that the security of its member states is indivisible. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman have all voiced rejection of what they termed a violation of their sovereignty and international law. The council also affirmed its legal right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
France’s signal of readiness to defend strategic partners marks a significant shift in European engagement with the Middle East crisis. Paris has already strengthened its regional military posture, including repositioning assets and reinforcing defensive measures to protect citizens, military bases, and strategic interests. The government has also indicated plans to repatriate citizens if the security situation deteriorates further.
While the French announcement and the European joint statement reflect a show of diplomatic and military solidarity, leaders have also urged Iran to cease hostilities and pursue a political solution to the crisis. Barrot reiterated that sustained peace can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts and significant concessions, noting that continued conflict would have severe implications for global stability.
Analysts say France’s stance underscores the deepening international concern over the conflict’s potential to spread beyond the region. The announcement sends a message that European powers are willing to play a more assertive role in protecting their strategic partners’ security and deterring further escalation, but also highlights the risk of a broader confrontation if diplomatic channels fail to prevail.
For now, France maintains that its measures are defensive in nature and urges all parties to prioritise peaceful resolutions to prevent further loss of life and regional destabilisation.
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