**France to Deploy Military Forces to Safeguard Saudi Oil Route, Macron Announces**
In a significant move to bolster security in the Middle East, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will send military troops and defense systems to Saudi Arabia. This deployment is aimed at protecting the strategic Red Sea port city of Yanbu, which plays a crucial role in energy transport.
During a primetime television interview, Macron emphasized the importance of Yanbu in the context of global energy supply chains, particularly as crude oil prices have surged in recent weeks. The port has faced increased threats, particularly from missile attacks attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, raising concerns about the safety of oil exports from the region.
"We are going to send military resources, that is to say, soldiers, radar systems and defense systems, to protect this site – not to get us involved in any conflicts, but to protect this site," Macron stated, underscoring that the mission is defensive in nature.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the region and growing pressure on Macron's government regarding high energy prices at home. With winter approaching, Macron assured the French public that the country has adequate gas and oil supplies, and that the government is actively working to ensure that energy flows remain uninterrupted.
In addition to discussing military deployments, Macron addressed concerns regarding a potential U.S. ban on diesel exports, which he described as “catastrophic” for both the global economy and the U.S. economy. This remark follows a denial from the White House that such a ban is being considered.
Macron's interview also touched on the perceived threat from Russia, which he described as multiplying hostile acts against European nations. He dismissed a report from the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, which suggested that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency had warned European governments about potential drone attacks from the Mediterranean. "I can deny it. The CIA did not inform French services," he said.
Despite dismissing the specific report, Macron acknowledged the broader threat posed by Russia, particularly in light of an attempted drone attack in August on Leipzig airport, which Germany attributed to Russian operatives. In response to these threats, Macron has directed his government to formulate a plan to protect critical infrastructure against potential drone and cyber attacks.
Macron criticized Russia's actions as attempts to intimidate Europe and undermine its support for Ukraine. However, his stance on Russia faced scrutiny following a controversial decision to exempt Russian-Uzbek metals tycoon Alisher Usmanov from EU sanctions, citing national security concerns. This decision drew backlash from other EU members and led to Azerbaijan pardoning a French national jailed for espionage.
As France prepares to send military support to Saudi Arabia, the international community will be watching closely to see how this deployment impacts regional stability and global energy markets.