France has thrown its weight behind countries along the Persian Gulf and in Jordan in the Middle East against Iran’s provocations.

France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, on Monday, while addressing a press conference following an emergency meeting at France’s foreign ministry in Paris, condemned Iran for dragging Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan into an unwanted war.

“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, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan – France expresses its full support and complete solidarity,” Mr Barrot said.

“Regarding more specifically our partners in the region who have been targeted, deliberately aimed at by the Iranian regime, we stand ready to contribute to their defence,” the foreign minister said.

Mr Barrot noted that France was “ready, in accordance with the agreements that bind it to its partners and with the principle of collective self-defence provided under international law, to take part in their defence”.
He, however, explained that France’s assistance would be “based on their request, in a proportionate manner and in accordance with the principle of collective self-defence”.
Warning against the lack of clear military goals, Mr Barrot faulted the United States and Israel for launching what he termed “unilateral strikes” against Iran.

“Everyone could have taken their responsibilities, because it is only by going before the Security Council that the use of force can acquire the necessary legitimacy,” Mr Barrot stated. “The indefinite prolongation of military operations without a precise goal carries the risk of a spiral that would drag Iran and the region into a long period of instability whose outcome would be very uncertain and would harm our interests.”

Calling for de-escalation, the foreign minister called on Iran to halt its ongoing offensive operations, as well as make diplomatic compromises that would restore peace and stability in the region.