France Deploys Troops and Air Defenses to Safeguard Yanbu Oil Terminal

France is preparing to send troops and air defenses to protect the Yanbu oil terminal in Saudi Arabia, a crucial export route for oil. According to Emmanuel Macron, the French president, this move aims to safeguard the facility without intervening in any conflict.

The Yanbu terminal plays a vital role in exporting oil via the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz where shipping has been disrupted due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Just weeks ago, over 5 million barrels were exported through the terminal daily.

France is also engaging with Iran and Oman to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and exploring alternative supply routes via Iraq and Syria. As the G7 president, Paris plans to discuss a coordinated release of strategic energy reserves with its partners.