The Iranian news agency Fars News Agency, close to the regime, published a satellite photograph on Monday evening of the Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates, which hosts French forces. Emmanuel Macron reacted on Tuesday, stating that France remains «very vigilant» and ensures optimal security for its troops deployed in the region for counter-terrorism efforts.
On Monday evening, the Fars News Agency, affiliated with the mullahs' regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, released a satellite photograph of the Al Dhafra air base, located about 40 kilometers from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This base has hosted Emirati, American, and French squadrons since 2008, including the French Air Force's Base Aérienne 104.
This publication comes amid heightened tensions. Since Sunday, Iran has classified several European armies, including France's, as «terrorist,» in retaliation for the European Union's listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization at the end of January. Meanwhile, the United States has moved a carrier strike group centered on the USS Abraham Lincoln into the Persian Gulf to pressure Tehran.
Questioned on Tuesday in Vallerois-le-Bois, Haute-Saône, Emmanuel Macron stated: «We are very vigilant in this situation.» He explained that French troops are deployed «for the fight against terrorism,» particularly under Operation Inherent Resolve, and to train the armies of regional partner countries. «We have taken all measures to ensure that our soldiers there are deployed under optimal security conditions,» he added.
France has assessed the situation with its allies and partners in recent days. The United Arab Emirates, committed to counter-terrorism, have reiterated that their territory will not serve as a base for potential Western strikes against Iran.
