[REVISION HISTORY]

France energy security and Middle East military deployment

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2026-10-22 13:22 UTC → 2026-10-25 19:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

To address potential fuel shortages and secure crude oil exports in the Red Sea, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of military assets, including soldiers, radars, and defense systems, to Saudi Arabia to protect the Yanbu oil terminal from Houthi rebel threats. Macron noted that while supply for diesel, gas, and fuel is guaranteed through the end of the year, the situation remains “grave” due to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Following these security measures, Macron conducted a diplomatic tour of the Persian Gulf to stabilize energy markets and mitigate domestic social unrest. Through agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, France secured an additional 200,000 tonnes of diesel per month, split equally with 100,000 tonnes from each nation. Managed by TotalEnergies, these volumes, combined with 95,000 tonnes from Saudi Arabia, bring France’s total monthly diesel commitments to 295,000 tonnes, representing just over 10% of the country’s total consumption. To bypass the Strait of Hormuz, Kuwait has committed to supplying diesel and kerosene to the French overseas territories of Mayotte and Réunion via Oman. During his visit to Qatar, Macron also concluded a gas agreement to bolster long-term energy security. In Doha, Macron and the Emir of Qatar issued a joint statement calling for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire in Gaza. In Riyadh, Macron met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional stability and maritime security. As part of the ongoing mission to combat rising fuel costs and domestic protests, Macron has continued his tour of Gulf nations, starting in Kuwait. In Qatar, French Ambassador Arnaud Bechu announced that negotiations between QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies have secured 2 terawatt-hours of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per month for France for the current winter season.

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