France is preparing flights to return its citizens stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing war in the region. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday, “We are operating flights to benefit the most vulnerable people, those who deserve assistance, when necessary.”

Published on: 03/03/2026 - 19:49 Last updated: 03/03/2026 - 19:52

France is preparing to operate flights to return its “most vulnerable” citizens from Middle Eastern countries affected by the war against Iran, according to what French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Tuesday.

“We are operating flights to benefit the most vulnerable people, those who deserve assistance, when necessary,” Barrow told BFMTV news channel, without specifying the number of potential beneficiaries of these flights.

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He pointed out that about 400,000 French citizens are in the countries affected by the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel on the one hand and Iran on the other.

Jean-Noel Barrot said, "Mostly, these are French people residing in the region, including those with dual nationality. Others are Frenchmen transiting through the region," and 25,000 of them have contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, encouraging all French people to register "so that their locations can be determined."

The measures taken vary depending on the countries concerned.

"For example, we established consular teams on the borders between Israel, Egypt and Jordan, which facilitated the passage of French citizens who wish to leave by land and then travel by air from Egypt or Jordan," the Foreign Minister said.

He added that French people who wish to leave the Emirates can do so across the borders with the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia, “two countries whose scope is still open until now.”

France 24/AFP

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