France bolsters Middle East military presence with helicopter carrier, vows to aid citizens exit
In response to Tehran’s missile barrage targeting Israel, France has mobilized additional military resources to counter the Iranian threat in the Middle East, the French presidency announced on Wednesday.
This decision follows an emergency security cabinet meeting to address the regional escalation. France reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security and demanded that Hezbollah cease its terrorist actions against Israel and its population.
A United Nations Security Council meeting has been convened for Wednesday afternoon to discuss the Middle East situation. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is coordinating diplomatic efforts with his US counterpart, Antony Blinken.
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The collaborative effort comes after Paris and Washington’s failed attempt to secure a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon just hours before Israel launched air strikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
France is taking proactive measures to protect its citizens in Lebanon and the Middle East. The head of state has requested all necessary measures be taken to assist and potentially aid French nationals in the region.
A conference in support of Lebanon is also in the works, with the foreign minister set to travel to the region to work on diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
In a show of preparedness, France deployed a helicopter carrier to the region on Monday, positioning itself for potential evacuation orders.
