French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to deploy French troops and defence systems to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu. The move comes as attacks threaten the strategic energy hub and increase concerns over global oil supplies. Macron said France would provide soldiers, radar systems and defence equipment to protect the site.
However, he stressed that the deployment would remain defensive and would not involve France directly entering the regional conflict.
France to Protect Strategic Yanbu Port
Speaking during a prime-time television interview, Macron said France had finalised an agreement with Saudi Arabia.
“We are going to send military resources, that is to say, soldiers, radar systems and defence systems, to protect this site,” Macron said.
He added that the purpose was to protect the facility rather than involve French forces in the wider conflict.
Yanbu has become increasingly important for Saudi Arabia’s energy exports. The port provides an alternative route for moving Saudi oil when shipments through the Strait of Hormuz face disruption.
Recent attacks have increased pressure on the route. Saudi Arabia has faced missile and drone threats linked to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement.
As a result, concerns have grown over the security of critical energy infrastructure and the potential impact on international oil markets.
Macron Warns of Global Energy Risks
Macron also addressed growing concerns about energy supplies in Europe. France is facing domestic pressure over high energy prices. Therefore, the president sought to reassure the public that the country has sufficient oil and gas supplies for the coming winter.
He said the French government was working to ensure that energy flows remain stable.
Meanwhile, the security situation around major Middle Eastern energy routes has added uncertainty to global markets.
Yanbu’s importance has increased because Saudi Arabia can use the Red Sea route to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron Warns Against US Diesel Export Ban
During the same interview, Macron criticised the possibility of a US ban on diesel exports. He described such a move as “catastrophic” for both the global economy and the United States.
However, the White House has denied that a diesel export ban is currently under consideration.
Macron’s warning reflects wider concerns that restrictions on fuel exports could further tighten global energy markets.
Any major disruption to refined fuel supplies could also increase pressure on prices and affect European consumers.
France Raises Concerns Over Russian Threat
Macron also warned that France and other European countries face growing security risks from Russia.
He rejected a report claiming that the CIA had warned European governments about possible drone attacks originating from the Mediterranean.
“I can deny it. The CIA did not inform French services,” Macron said.
Nevertheless, Macron said Russia was carrying out increasingly hostile and criminal acts against European countries.
He also warned that France could face attacks similar to an attempted drone attack reported at Leipzig airport in Germany. Berlin has blamed Russia for that incident, while Moscow rejects European accusations of hybrid attacks.
Macron has instructed his government to prepare measures to protect critical infrastructure from potential drone and cyberattacks.
Europe Faces Broader Security Pressure
The French president said Moscow was attempting to intimidate European countries and weaken their support for Ukraine.
However, France has also faced criticism over its recent role in EU sanctions policy.
The European Union recently removed Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions list. France had supported the move after diplomatic discussions involving Azerbaijan and the release of French national Martin Ryan.
Azerbaijan pardoned Ryan, who had been serving a prison sentence after being convicted of espionage-related charges. France later described his release as the result of sustained dialogue with Azerbaijani authorities.
The development has created tensions among some European partners, particularly because Macron has simultaneously warned about Russian security threats.
Yanbu Deployment Comes Amid Rising Tensions
France’s planned deployment places greater attention on the security of Saudi Arabia’s western energy infrastructure. For now, Macron has presented the mission as a defensive measure focused on protecting Yanbu rather than participating directly in the conflict.
The exact number of French troops and the full details of the equipment have not been publicly specified.
Meanwhile, continued attacks on energy infrastructure could increase pressure on oil markets and European consumers. The deployment therefore reflects the wider security and energy challenges facing Europe as instability continues to threaten major Middle Eastern supply routes.
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