France has declared its readiness to defend Gulf nations and its allies against potential attacks from Iran, as stated by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and other European leaders on Monday. This declaration comes in the wake of a conflict that escalated after military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran, which have rapidly spread to neighboring countries in the Middle East, including Jordan and Gulf-allied regions.

In a joint statement from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, the leaders expressed shock over Iran's 'arbitrary and disproportionate' missile and drone attacks targeting nations in the region, including US allies that were not directly involved in the original American-Israeli operations. The situation reflects rising tensions in the Middle East and the potential for wider conflict as nations react to Iran's military capabilities and actions.

The leaders emphasized their commitment to take necessary steps to defend their own interests and those of their allies in the region. This includes the potential for necessary and proportionate defensive measures to prevent Iran from launching missiles and drone attacks against them, highlighting the ongoing escalation of military engagements and the implications for regional stability and security.