France plans military action to protect Saudi oil port Janbu

France wants to send soldiers and military equipment to Saudi Arabia to protect the Janbu oil port there from attacks by the Houthi militia. France has agreed with Saudi Arabia to send radar systems and defense systems to Janbu, "not to take part in any conflict, but to protect this place," said President Emmanuel Macron on French television.

The important east-west oil pipeline through which crude oil flows from the production sites in the Persian Gulf ends in Janbu. It is of great importance for the country because the pipeline can be used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which is closed by Iran. However, this trade route is also in danger due to attacks by the Houthi militia.

The aim is to work towards easing tensions in the oil markets, said Macron. When asked whether France would also send fighter jets, Macron replied that the government would monitor developments on the ground and act if necessary. If the situation were to ease, this would be reflected “in the prices at the pumps two days later,” said the president.

Great Britain also wants to support Saudi Arabia militarily against attacks from Yemen. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced this on Monday, emphasizing that it was “defensive” help.

Macron criticizes possible US diesel export ban

The Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea in July and have since attacked targets in the kingdom. After a lightning offensive, the militia took control of large parts of the Yemeni coast on the strategically important Bab al-Mandab strait last week.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and thus the Indian Ocean. It is an important route for international shipping, particularly for the export of Saudi Arabian oil. Bab al-Mandab has gained in importance since the government in Tehran largely blocked the Strait of Hormuz on the Persian Gulf since the beginning of the Iran War.

Macron also commented on US President Donald Trump's proposed US diesel export ban. The Frenchman said it was a "bad decision" not only for the rest of the world, but also for the US economy itself. Trump spoke out in favor of the export ban on Tuesday. According to its Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US government is currently examining "whether a complete or partial ban would work." Most recently, the USA largely stopped its exports of crude oil during the oil crisis of the 1970s in order to reduce domestic prices.