PARIS, March 2 (Reuters) - France is ready to help Gulf countries targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday, adding that the Israeli and U.S. initial
France Ready to Defend Gulf Countries against Iranian Retaliatory Strikes
France's Position on Gulf Security and Iranian Strikes
French Commitment to Gulf Defense
PARIS, March 2 (Reuters) - France is ready to help Gulf countries targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday, adding that the Israeli and U.S. initial strikes against Iran should have been debated beforehand at the United Nations.
Support for Regional Partners
"Regarding more specifically our partners in the region who have been targeted, deliberately aimed at by the Iranian regime, we stand ready to contribute to their defense," Barrot told reporters after chairing a crisis meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Paris.
Principles Guiding French Assistance
"Based on their request, in a proportionate manner and in accordance with the principle of collective self-defence provided for under international law," he added.
International Legitimacy and Calls for Restraint
Debate Over Unilateral Strikes
Referring to Israel and the United States' initial assault on Iran on Saturday, he said their "unilateral strikes" could have gained the legitimacy needed only by going before the U.N. Security Council.
Appeal to Iran for Peaceful Resolution
However, he called on Iran to end its attacks and to resign itself to major concessions to achieve a political solution leading to peace in the region.
Impact on French Interests
Drone Attack on French Naval Base
No French victims have been reported despite a drone attack against a French naval base in Abu Dhabi on Sunday that caused limited damage, according to Barrot.
(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Makini Brice and Barbara Lewis)
