France and UK Deploy Military Assets to Protect Saudi Oil Port

President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will deploy soldiers, radar systems, and air-defense batteries to protect the strategic oil port of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The deployment follows a surge of drone and missile attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels targeting the Yasref refinery and the East-West Pipeline, a critical artery for Saudi crude and diesel exports to Europe. Macron framed the mission as strictly defensive, stating the goal is to protect strategic infrastructure and stabilize record-high fuel prices in France without involving the French Republic in an active conflict. He noted that the deployment of Rafale fighter jets would depend on further security developments.

The escalation comes as Houthi forces seize the Yemeni port of Mocha and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, effectively blockading international shipping. Saudi forces recently intercepted six ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu and Taif. In response, the Government of Saudi Arabia is coordinating defense with Pakistan and Turkiye under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The United Kingdom has also provided support, deploying an RAF Voyager refueling tanker based in Cyprus to assist Saudi intercept missions.

Beyond the Red Sea crisis, Macron warned that Russia is conducting hostile acts to intimidate Europe and weaken support for Ukraine, citing a failed drone strike in Leipzig, Germany, as a precedent for potential attacks on France. Meanwhile, Yemen's Vice President Abdullah Abdulkader al-Alimi-Bawzer told the United Nations General Assembly that the Houthis are using shipping security as a tool for blackmail against the global economy.