President Emmanuel Macron announced France will send soldiers, radars, and defense systems to Saudi Arabia to secure energy infrastructure in Yanbu along the Red Sea, amid attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. Speaking on France 2, Macron emphasized the deployment is defensive, not for conflict engagement, and framed it as part of France’s effort to ensure energy security and lower gas prices domestically. The move follows intensified Houthi missile strikes on Saudi cities, including Yanbu and Taif, which the Saudi-led coalition intercepted.

Macron linked the Red Sea threats to the broader regional conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded. The Houthis have gained control of Yemen’s west coast, including the port of Mokha and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, further threatening Saudi oil exports. France’s assistance comes under a bilateral agreement sealed on Thursday, with Macron leaving open the possibility of additional support as the situation evolves.

Reporting was contributed by Vivian Nereim and Ismaeel Naar, with Ephrat Livni covering the story for The New York Times from New York.