France steps up as Houthi attacks threaten Saudi oil exports | DW News

France's deployment is intended to protect Yanbu, a vital oil hub on the Red Sea. French President Emmanuel Macron says France is not entering the conflict itself. But is this simply about protecting a vital energy hub? DW's Alex Forrest Whiting asks Gordon Robison, a journalist and Middle East analyst, why France is taking this risk now and whether this signals a broader European role in a region increasingly shaped by conflict and great-power competition. Chapter Breakdown 0:00 Is France entering the conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis? 1:07 Gordon Robison, Middle East analyst on why France wants to 'be at the center of things' 2:01 Emmanuel Macron explains why France is deploying military assets 2:30 How realistic is Macron's statement that France is not "joining the conflict"? 5:24 How might Iran, who is a Houthi ally, react to France's decision? 8:01 How big should France's deployment be to effectively defend Yanbu? #dwnews For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews ►Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/DWNews/ Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1