PARIS, FRANCE March 5, 2026 – In a significant development amid the ongoing military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran, France has authorized the temporary use of its military bases in the Middle East by US aircraft. The decision comes as regional tensions escalate following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory actions across the Gulf.
According to a spokesperson for the French military general staff, the authorization is part of France’s longstanding alliance with the United States and is aimed at bolstering the defense of regional partners. “As part of our relations with the United States, the presence of their aircraft has been temporarily authorized on our bases in the region,” the spokesperson told Agence France-Presse (AFP). “These aircraft contribute to the protection of our partners in the Gulf.”
France maintains several strategic military installations in the area, including an airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aircraft stationed in Jordan, and a facility in Djibouti, which borders the region. The move is described as defensive in nature, focusing on safeguarding allies amid Iran’s missile and drone attacks that have targeted US and Israeli interests, as well as broader regional assets.
The announcement follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s criticism of the US-Israeli operations, which he stated were conducted “outside international law.” Despite this, Macron has emphasized Iran’s primary responsibility for the conflict’s escalation and confirmed the deployment of France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean to support French interests. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also noted that French Rafale fighter jets had neutralized Iranian drones threatening French bases in the UAE.
However, reports vary on the exact scope of the access. While most sources confirm the use of Middle Eastern bases, one account indicates that France has permitted non-combat US aircraft to operate from a mainland French airbase in Istres, near Marseille, with assurances that they will not engage in offensive operations against Iran. This suggests a nuanced approach, prioritizing defensive support without direct involvement in the offensive campaign.
The decision aligns with broader European responses to the crisis. The United Kingdom has allowed limited US access to its bases for defensive purposes, while Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands are deploying naval assets to Cyprus following an Iranian drone strike on a British base there. Greece has also committed resources to the region.
Iran’s armed forces have denied involvement in certain attacks, such as a reported drone strike on Azerbaijan, as the conflict widens. Analysts warn that increased Western military presence could further inflame the situation, potentially drawing more nations into the fray.
French officials have reiterated their commitment to de-escalation, with Macron calling for diplomatic solutions to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. “France continues to be a power that protects its people, a power committed to peace, that is reliable, predictable, and determined,” he stated.
This development underscores the complex alliances and strategic calculations at play as the war in the Middle East shows no signs of abating. Life News Agency will continue to monitor the situation for further updates.
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