The escalating tension in the Middle East has prompted major European nations to take action in response to the crisis. The French government announced on Wednesday that it has mobilized its military resources in the Middle East to confront the threat posed by Iran. French and British forces assisted Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles.
In a statement, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran against Israel, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. France stated its involvement in military actions in the Middle East to address the Iranian threat.
The statement did not provide further details on France’s role in countering the Iranian attacks, but an official indicated that France participated in the operation to intercept Iranian missiles on Tuesday night.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated, “Iran is risking setting the entire region on fire – we must prevent this situation at all costs. Hezbollah and Iran must immediately stop their attacks on Israel.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Baro and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions to coordinate diplomatic efforts, with a meeting scheduled with the German Foreign Minister in Berlin on Wednesday.
On Monday, a French helicopter carrier set sail to ensure deployment in case of large-scale personnel evacuations. Additionally, Paris dispatched a warship to the eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a United Nations Security Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and the United States are set to hold talks on the Middle East crisis on Wednesday evening.
The United States reported that Iran fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel within an hour on October 1, with the majority being intercepted.
Two U.S. missile destroyers also participated in the operation to shoot down incoming missiles, firing about a dozen interception missiles.
British Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed that British forces have played a role in efforts to prevent further violent conflicts in the Middle East.
Healey stated in a late-night announcement on Tuesday, “I unequivocally condemn Iran’s attacks on Israel. British forces have played a role tonight in preventing further escalation in the Middle East situation.”
According to reports from British media, Royal Air Force fighter jets participated in intercepting Iranian missiles attacking Israel.
Earlier, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep concern about the situation in the region and reiterated his call for British nationals in Lebanon to leave.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office reiterated the UK’s support for Israel, stating, “We support Israel and recognize its right to self-defense against such aggression. Iran must cease these attacks. Iran’s threats to the Middle East, along with its proxies like Hezbollah, have persisted for too long, causing turmoil and destruction not only in Israel but also affecting the people in Lebanon and other regions.”
British nationals fleeing Lebanon are expected to board a UK government-chartered plane to a safe location on Wednesday.
In a statement, Cyprus spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis mentioned that Cyprus has initiated mechanisms to allow individuals with third-country nationality to safely evacuate from the Middle East through the island. In recent days, Cyprus has supported the transfer of individuals and independent groups through its territory.
Letymbiotis stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation, making necessary preparations, and stand ready to support evacuation efforts.”
(Reference from Reuters)