France has said it is ready to help secure Saudi energy infrastructure targeted by the Iran backed Houthi rebels, according to a diplomatic source cited Monday by AFP. The offer falls within what Paris describes as a strictly defensive approach.
According to the source, France is ready to contribute to securing Saudi energy infrastructure in Yanbu and along the East West Pipeline, within the framework of a strictly defensive approach. The same source was careful to stress that this in no way involves France taking part in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
The offer of support follows a series of attacks claimed by the Houthis on facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. The East West Pipeline, a strategic route that allows Saudi Arabia to export part of its oil without passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has also been shut down following drone attacks.
The strikes come against an already highly tense regional backdrop, marked by the war between the United States and Iran and a surge in oil prices that recently led President Emmanuel Macron to announce he would convene a G7 meeting devoted to energy issues. G7 leaders have separately condemned the Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia and called on Iran to end its support for the Yemeni rebels.
The French offer adds to other Western gestures of support toward Riyadh, with the United Kingdom agreeing to provide air refueling support for Saudi fighter jets engaged in the fight against the Houthis. Together, the announcements underscore Western powers' desire to secure global energy supplies without becoming directly involved in the conflict in Yemen.