France to Send Troops to Saudi Arabia to Protect Key Oil Pipeline Port

France will send military personnel to Saudi Arabia to help protect the strategically important port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, the terminus of the East–West oil pipeline that carries crude from fields in the east of the country. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the move in an interview with TF1 and France 2 television channels.

"This is an agreement we've reached with Saudi Arabia. We will send military assets — soldiers, radar systems and defense equipment. Not to take part in any conflict, but to protect this facility," Macron said, stressing that France's goal is to help stabilize oil markets.

Rafale Jets Could Be Deployed

Asked whether French Rafale fighter jets might also be sent, Macron said: "We'll see how the situation develops and make a decision based on need. We already have aircraft in the region. In any case, we are preparing to defend this site, because just a few weeks ago more than five million barrels of oil were leaving from there every day."

According to Macron, stabilizing the situation at such critical points has a direct impact on fuel prices. "As soon as things calm down at one of these locations, it's immediately reflected in prices at the pump. Within two days, you'll see it at gas stations," he added.

Why the Port of Yanbu Matters

The port of Yanbu is Saudi Arabia's main terminal for exporting oil via the Red Sea. It is connected to fields near the Persian Gulf by the East–West pipeline, also known as Petroline.

This pipeline has played a crucial role during the Middle East conflict, allowing Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and continue exporting oil. Its capacity stands at five million barrels per day, and can be temporarily increased to seven million if needed.

Yanbu's location on the Red Sea gives Saudi Arabia an alternative route for shipping oil and refined products to European markets. However, according to AFP, the port — with its extensive oil storage and refining facilities — has itself become a target for attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen during the current phase of the Middle East conflict.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by seznamzpravy.cz