During a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that France's role in the Middle East is strictly defensive, aimed at supporting its allies and cannot justify any attacks against France. Despite not participating in the US and Israel's bombing campaigns, France has deployed military forces in the region.

Earlier on Friday, Macron announced the first death of a French soldier in the conflict, which occurred in the Erbil region of Iraq, and included reports of injuries to other soldiers. He did not disclose details about the attack or its perpetrators, but noted that French troops were previously involved in counter-terrorism training with Iraqi forces when a drone strike targeted their base.

The pro-Iranian group in Iraq, 'Ashab al Kahf,' had previously warned that French interests in the region would become targets following the arrival of a French aircraft carrier. However, no one has claimed responsibility for the recent attack on the French base, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the precarious security situation in the Middle East for foreign military presences.