ISTANBUL

France on Friday said its military presence in the Middle East is "defensive" and aimed at protecting its citizens and allies, as tensions continue to escalate across the region.

French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreau told Al-Jazeera that Paris is in the region “to support and protect its citizens, as well as to protect its allies such as the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait,” while also safeguarding freedom of navigation.

He underlined that France’s strategy, backed by President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, is defensive in nature, noting the deployment of an aircraft carrier and six frigates to the Red Sea.

“What we want is a de-escalation,” Confavreau said, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the wider region.

He added that “Iran is primarily responsible for the situation,” citing concerns over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and regional activities.

The spokesperson also emphasized that France does not seek direct involvement in the conflict, stating, "This is not our war and we do not want to be part of it,” while reaffirming support for allies facing attacks.

According to Confavreau, consultations involving more than 30 countries are ongoing to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside discussions at the UN Security Council on a draft resolution.

Separately, Macron has engaged in diplomatic efforts, including contact with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, to push for de-escalation, Confavreau said.

French officials warned that the crisis could have global economic repercussions, including rising energy prices, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 million barrels of oil pass daily, continue to impact markets.

Regional escalation has continued since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, inflicting casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.