Saudi Arabia has committed to supplying France with additional diesel fuel for an extended period, a move announced amid heightened regional tensions and escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This pledge came during French President Emmanuel Macron’s unexpected visit to Riyadh on Thursday, marking the first visit by a Western leader since the recent intensification of Houthi assaults on the Kingdom.
Macron’s discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman focused on enhancing security cooperation and advancing infrastructure projects designed to circumvent the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime chokepoint Iran has effectively sealed since the conflict in the Middle East escalated in February. The agreement to provide extra diesel supplies aims to mitigate soaring fuel prices in France, which have fueled widespread public discontent and violent protests.
The French presidency highlighted that Riyadh has pledged to supply the additional diesel “for as many months as necessary,” reflecting a mutual effort to stabilize energy markets amid ongoing disruptions. Saudi Arabia has been subjected to near-daily missile and drone attacks attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi movement, leading to suspension of oil exports and the temporary closure of Riyadh’s international airport following deadly strikes.
Earlier on Thursday, Macron confirmed that France had deployed military personnel and defensive assets to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, a critical oil terminal increasingly targeted by Houthi attacks. “For the past eight days, we’ve had personnel and capabilities deployed (in Yanbu); we’re working with Saudi Arabia in this direction, and so we have a defensive role to play,” Macron said during a press briefing in Doha.
Yanbu has gained significance as a vital export hub for Saudi crude following restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The terminal’s security has become a priority as attacks on energy infrastructure and maritime shipping in the Red Sea region have intensified.
Despite the bolstered military support to safeguard Saudi interests, Macron emphasized the importance of resuming dialogue with the Houthis to seek a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The French presidency characterized the visit as a demonstration of solidarity with Saudi Arabia and an effort to secure and diversify energy supplies amid a period of volatility in global markets.