France intercepted Iranian drones, missiles over Jordan at Amman's request: Ministry

TUNIS, Tunisia

France intercepted Iranian drones and missiles in Jordanian airspace during Iran’s attack on Israel at Amman’s request, a deputy spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Christophe Lemoine was responding to questions during a weekly press briefing.

"France intercepted Iranian missiles and drones originally targeting Israel during the night from Saturday to Sunday at the request of Jordan," Lemoine said.

"We have an air base in Jordan, and Jordanian airspace was violated by these shots. This is what the president of the republic stated, so I am using his words," he noted.

"We are committed to Israel's security. However, in this case, these interceptions of missiles and drones were carried out at the request of Jordan, whose airspace was violated," he added.

Iran on Saturday launched an airborne attack on Israel in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital. It reportedly fired more than 300 drones and missiles, with almost all intercepted by the air defense systems of Israel and its allies – the US, France and the UK

Israel said allied forces had assisted it in countering the offensive, expressing its intention to respond to Iran's airstrikes, leading to an escalation of tensions in the region.

In a televised interview Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France had intervened "in strict protection and defense" after "Iran violated the airspace of several countries,” stressing that Paris wanted to "avoid a conflagration" in the region.

*Writing by Necva Tastan