Key facts
- France secured LNG equivalent to two terawatt-hours per month for the winter.
- France secured commitments for an additional 200,000 tonnes of diesel per month from UAE and Bahrain.
- France will supply Qatar with new 5th-generation Rafale fighter jets, radars, air-defense systems, and armored vehicles.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged "extreme caution" in the Gulf on Wednesday, warning of escalating tensions that could reignite conflict. During a two-day state visit to Qatar, Macron discussed regional security with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, noting the impact of elections in Israel and the US on the current climate of uncertainty. He also highlighted Qatar's mediation efforts in ongoing negotiations with Iran and the US, stating that Iran's response was expected within hours or days. Macron announced that France had secured a gas agreement with Qatar, providing the equivalent of two terawatt-hours per month of LNG for the winter period, which he said would help lower fuel and transport costs and avoid predicted shortfalls. France also secured commitments for an additional 200,000 tonnes of diesel per month from the UAE and Bahrain. The two countries hailed their defense partnership, with France agreeing to supply Qatar with Rafale fighter jets, radars, air-defense systems, and armored vehicles. Macron also made a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia to support efforts against the Houthis.