French Defense Minister's statement on the 'Middle East': 'We are doing everything to prevent escalation'

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu assessed that Israel had "launched military operations within the scope of self-defense" following the October 7 attacks.

Regarding the activities of Iranian-affiliated Shiite militia forces in Syria and Iraq following the Israeli attacks, and the targeting of ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, Lecornu commented that Iran is creating "insecurity and instability" in the region.

In the context of the Iran-Israel tension, Lecornu stated that they are not at war with Iran, but that Iran poses a security problem not only for Israel and regional countries but also for Europe, and that France is doing everything to prevent the escalation of tension in the Middle East.

Minister Lecornu noted that Iran is assisting Russia in its war against Ukraine and carries the risk of developing its nuclear program.

Addressing criticism from the opposition regarding their downing of Iranian drones in Jordanian airspace during the air attack on Israel, Lecornu stated that the intervention was carried out in coordination with Jordanian authorities to protect France's military assets in the region against threats.

Responding to a question about whether France sells weapons to Israel with a "no", Lecornu stated that his country only transferred spare parts to Israel in 2022, amounting to 15 million euros.

Lecornu accused the opposition, which he said is "trying to cast doubt on France's arms sales to Israel," of irresponsibility.