France is to increase its military presence in the Middle East due to the current conflict in the region, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed last night (March 3).
The president addressed the nation in a televised speech, the first public speech since the outbreak of war between Israel/the United States and Iran last weekend.
His eight-minute speech covered the impact of the current conflict on France – including overseas citizens and hits to French military bases in the region – as well as its impending response.
Mr Macron also covered France’s stance on the war.
It comes after he announced an expansion of France’s nuclear arsenal earlier in the week.
Below, we review the main points of the address.
‘Iran bears responsibility but actions of US and Israel cannot be condoned’
The president said Iran “bears primary responsibility” for the war for a number of reasons including a “dangerous nuclear programme” and “support of terrorist groups” across the region from Lebanon to Iraq.
He also criticised its “orders to fire on its own people,” referencing protests in the country at the start of the year that international organisations report left thousands dead.
“History never mourns the executioners of their people. None will be missed,” he said regarding the death of former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend, who had led the country since 1989.
However, he said the US and Israeli strikes were “conducted outside of international law, which we cannot condone.”
The people of Iran must freely decide their own destiny, and this cannot be forced on them, he added.
In addition, the president said any Israel ground operation against Hezbollah (an Iranian-backed group in Lebanon) would be “a dangerous escalation and a strategic error,” while criticising Hezbollah for striking first.
“In recent hours, the war has spread to Lebanon, from where Hezbollah made the major mistake of striking Israel and endangering the Lebanese people,” he said.
“France stands with the Lebanese authorities in their courageous efforts to regain control of their security.”
France has a close relationship with Lebanon, its former colony.
Measures to protect French citizens home and abroad
France is moving to help citizens in the region affected by the outbreak of the conflict, particularly those living in the Gulf States.
Two flights have already arrived carrying vulnerable passengers, which includes elderly people, those with underlying health conditions, and families with very young children, a government source later said.
Citizens have been evacuated to Oman, and from there have taken flights across Egyptian airspace to return to France.
French embassies in the region will see security strengthened.
Around 400,000 French citizens live or were otherwise transiting through the Gulf States at the outbreak of the conflict. Some domestic flights from the region have begun returning to Europe, however.
Domestically, the president has ordered an increased security presence.
"At my request, the government has reinforced the Sentinelle military protection operation and increased vigilance around the most vulnerable locations and individuals,” he said.
French bases hit, increased military presence
Two French bases have been hit since the outbreak of hostilities, including a naval base hosting French personnel in the United Arab Emirates.
Further information was not given, however Mr Macron said French bases in the region had taken part in anti-drone operations “in self-defence… from the very first hours… to defend the airspace of our allies.”
The flagship aircraft carrier ‘Charles de Gaulle’ will be deployed in the Mediterranean, the president announced.
This includes its “air assets and frigate,” to accompany the nuclear-powered carrier.
Anti-air assets and a frigate have also been deployed in Cyprus, after a British aircraft base in the EU nation was hit by a drone on Sunday.
In addition, fighter jets, air defence systems and radars have been deployed in unspecified areas near the conflict.
Economic impact?
The president discussed the economic impact of the conflict.
“Today, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed… The Suez Canal and the Red Sea are also under tension and threatened,” he said.
These waterways are vital to the global economy, with the Straight of Hormuz responsible for around one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas transportation.
There are concerns that a protracted conflict will lead to a prolonged increase in oil – and subsequently fuel – prices.
There was no announcement of any economic aid relating to increased prices, however the president called for countries to “pool resources… including military ones,” to prevent an economic downturn.
This includes securing “the maritime routes essential to the global economy.”
You can watch the full speech below.
Media outlets picked up on several objects placed on the president’s desk, including a figurine of a Napoleonic soldier – perhaps to show his role as head of the Armed Forces, or France’s military prowess.
A miner’s lamp was also visible, potentially a nod to the nation’s attempt to find a peaceful and stable exit out of the conflict.
The president also had a copy of Résider sur la terre (Residing on the Earth), a collection of texts and essays from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
The book charts Neruda’s attempts to come to terms with the rapidly-changing 20th century, and is perhaps a nod by the president (his bookmark was well-entrenched in the 1,600 page tome) on the current global uncertainty.
