Newsletters
France is prepared to help secure Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure under a “strictly defensive” framework while also working on a new U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a French diplomatic source said Monday.
The source said Paris could contribute to protecting Saudi energy facilities in Yanbu and along the East-West Pipeline, while stressing that such support would not amount to joining the conflict with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.
“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 source said.
“This in no way involves taking part in the conflict with the Houthis.”
The Houthis have carried out attacks against facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia has also said the East-West Pipeline, a key crude oil export route, was shut down following drone attacks launched from Iraq.
The diplomatic source said France was also working with the U.S. and other partners on a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“France wants to work with the Americans and its partners on a Security Council resolution guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the source said.
In April, Russia and China vetoed an earlier draft resolution led by Bahrain and backed by Gulf countries and the U.S. that also called for the Strait of Hormuz to be unblocked.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
